Every time high school football season rolls around, I remember my days as a member of the Warren Central High School Big Blue marching band.

Those four years not only left me with fond memories of friendships and fun times on the band bus, but they also played a role in shaping me into the person I am today.

It may sound a little strange that being in a high school band could have had that much influence over someone, but for me, Big Blue, at least from my experience during the John Waite and Larry Grant years, did.

For one, I learned hard work pays off. During my years as a member of the Big Blue, we received superior ratings at the Gulf Coast Marching contest. Big Blue had also received superior ratings seven years prior to my freshman year, as it has in the years following my graduation.

And by hard work, I mean hours upon hours of practice. During marching band season, we practiced on the drill field during band class, as well as after school. In the summer we also had some afternoon practices, along with a week of band camp that was spent at varying colleges.

I remember setting my alarm clock at 5 a.m. during those camps. I had to so I would be able to fall in line on time. By this I mean we didn’t just meet up where we were going to practice. We formed rows and lines, like one would do if participating in a parade, and would then march in step all the way to where practice was held. Once there, we were drilled over and over on the mechanics of marching military style. I recall my drill masters saying “sharp” and “precise” — words that instilled excellence.

After that early morning workout, we would then form up again and march to the cafeteria where we would have a short break for breakfast.

I tell folks that not only did we march military style, but we also trained military style.

There were times I thought I wouldn’t last, especially when I got thirsty from the heat.

When Mr. Waite realized all of us were thirsty, he would pull out his megaphone and say, “are y’all thirsty?”

We would holler back, “yes,” with hopes we were about to get a water break. But we weren’t. He would just reply, “then chew on the left side of your tongue and if you want ice chew on the right.”

Obviously, we did get water breaks shortly after, but this little exercise definitely taught me to stay strong.

Being a member of the Big Blue band was not for the faint of heart. You had to be tough, sacrifices had to be made to attend all the practices — there was no skipping unless you were in a coma. If you were late, well let’s just say that being a member of the Big Blue band was the only time in my life I was never late. Except for that one time. It never happened again.

You might be wondering why on earth a teenager would want to be part of something so stringent. It was because of the pride you felt and the recognition you received from being part of something folks respected and admired.

Every time Big Blue stepped out on the field, crowds in the stands went wild. The opposing teams did too. Being in Big Blue was like being a rock star. And we all wore those wool suits and leather overlays — even when it was hot outside — because, like rock stars, we had a persona to portray and a tradition to uphold.

Yes, high school football season reminds me of attributes like loyalty, laughter, perseverance, effort and dedication, all of which I can attribute to being a member of the Big Blue band. And I am the better for it.

Terri Cowart Frazier writes features for The Vicksburg Post. She can be reached at terri.frazier@vicksburgpost.com.