I'm forced to do marching band, but I want to quit...?

Question

so for sophomores (what grade I'm going to be in) marching band is required if you're in regular band, which I'm going to be in.  But the thought of having to be in parades and football games in front of all those people makes me feel anxious and want to cry, I've never been able to be in front of people and it always makes me feel sick, I've told my mom that I don't want to it, but she wants me to.  Practice starts in the summer, a few days actually, for a parade were going to be in and the thought is literally making me cry.  I don't want to quit band because I like it and I'm still paying off my expensive instrument but I want to not do marching band.  What should I do? this is giving me bad anxiety

Paul McCartney · Accepted Answer

I think you should try it. 
Honestly, I have the worst anxiety when it comes to performing in front of people - especially at on stage concerts. Probably worse anxiety than you. At concerts there's just so much more pressure for me - and I'l literally blank out.

But...when it comes to marching, I don't care at all for some reason. I think maybe it might have to do with the fact we all look the same from an audiences perspective (the uniforms) so its hard to differentiate people. Also, as for the halftime performances, you rehearse the show so much that its like second nature once you first perform it and you don't really even have to think, you just do it. And its the best feeling ever after you perform.

I would really recommend joining unless you want to miss out on an amazing experience.

andy c · Answer

Try it first. People will be watching the band as a whole, not you, so you can just blend in..

Anonymous · Answer

I think if you have no choice, I suggest trying to do that marching band.

I'm forced to do marching band, but I want to quit...?

3 Answers