Band was an integral part of my high school experience, and without it, I wouldn't be the same leader or friend I am today. One specific memory that I have of band, which exemplifies its importance, is my freshman year marching band t-shirt. Every year, our black marching band shirt had a design that represented some new concept that we wanted to emphasize for the upcoming season. Before entering my freshman year, each band member had submitted a word that they believed best described the MIHS band. The one word that was most common among each students' response was "community," and it remains the one word that I would use to describe my own band experience.
As a current college student, I can say there's nothing quite like the community that the MIHS band provided me. It's unique to find a group of students, teachers, and parents who collaborate and support each other in a similar way to the MIHS band program. The band program wouldn't be the same without all of the dedicated faculty who help it run so smoothly, which is why it is essential that its funding remain prioritized by the Mercer Island School District.
~ Cara Starnes, Class of 2019