I'm with the Band

My name is Malachi Diehl, and I’m currently a junior tenor player in the percussion section.

I first decided to do band back in 4th grade when I started playing piano.  It was then I knew I wanted to play music for a long time. Playing tenors was my first choice of instrument because I felt like it was complex and would be fun to play. The percussion section is an awesome section to play in because while we march, we are able to do drum stick visuals and vocals on the field.  They are usually random things that are either phrases or just plain sounds that we make with our mouths. We are also the loudest instruments on the field, which is pretty cool.

The biggest learning experience I have had in the band has been in the area of leadership. The opportunities we have in the band for leadership are huge. We have multiple crews that take care of things during the season and everyone is on a crew. At the moment, I am part of the loading crew for the semi-trailer we use to transport equipment.

Other than band, I am a Boy Scout in Troop 232, and the leadership I have gained from band helps me in my Scouting career. With that leadership, I am now one of the area directors at a Scout summer camp.

​One of the greatest moments I have had in band so far was talking to other band members during the full band retreat at the Bands of America Regional in Clarksville, Tennessee during the 2015 marching season. I was able to talk with many band members from other schools and was able to share stories with them.

Within the band, I have a sister in the color guard section and a lot of really good friends. I like to think everyone in the band has my back. No matter if they march right next to me or if we march 70 yards away from each other, we are able to help whenever and wherever it is needed. But my closest friends in the band are the ones who are in my section. They have always been there with me and are able to help me and encourage me in all I do.

The band program at Camdenton is the best activity I have ever been a part of.