In his final year of middle school, Aidan Zaltzman was initially reluctant when considering joining the marching band at Green Hope. Now, as a sophomore (‘28), it’s an activity he avidly awaits each and every summer.

According to Zaltzman, he was prepared to end his band journey in his eighth grade year and begin something different instead. However, a former marcher was persistent in his recruitment, providing continuous encouragement and reassurance until Zaltzman was eventually won over. Through the activity he came to realize all he had earned. “I saw all the connections I gained with the people I love,” said Zaltzman.

He didn’t realize just how meaningful his time with the group was until the season had ended and those close to him graduated. It was then that Zaltzman realized the purpose in marching. “It all started to make sense. Maybe the workload isn’t that bad at all, and I actually really do like this,” said Zaltzman.

Over the summers, he endured difficult, blazing and seemingly endless days. From getting to the school early at 7:30am and staying until all was put away at 8:45pm, this extracurricular often served as a task rather than a fun activity. Zaltzman’s second season as a marcher challenged him in a new way, as he became props committee chair, where he assigned members in his committee vital roles in maneuvering props on and off the field within the tight time restrictions of the competition. Past finding a community within the band, he also gained valuable experience in organizing a large group of students with individual responsibilities. These experiences taught him essential skills beyond the expectations of the band. “The biggest thing that I’ve learned through marching band is that consistency and repetition are the things that make someone better at what they do,” said Zaltzman.

There are countless factors that go into producing a marching band performance: long days, experienced staff and helpful volunteers, but most importantly, the students. Each individual performer has a set of accountabilities that, more often than not, can feel overwhelming, especially to first year members. Zaltzman expressed his previous distaste for the experience and reflected on what made him continue. “It would inspire me seeing how the experienced marchers would empathize with my complaints but kept persevering through it all,” reflected Zaltzman. With this in mind, his second season inspired him to be the support for the newer members just as the previous marchers had done for him. “Being able to encourage the new members when they struggle is what motivates me,” said Zaltzman.

Zaltzman was able to find a shared passion among a group that brought him some of his closest friends. His experiences are a set he won’t regret nor forget. As Zaltzman thought back to his favorite memories from seasons past, he saw just how much it all truly meant to him. “It isn’t just an activity but a privilege, something people love that I should be more grateful for.”