It’s almost time to take our final bow! We are entering our sixth and final year of Band with the Wyoming Wolves Marching Band (WWMB). Our experience has been filled with ups and downs that will stick with us for the rest of our lives.

The realization that this was our last year hit the Monday after the seniors left. Hana has always anticipated this moment but it still feels as if she didn’t expect for this day to come. Allison is also very eager to be done; she admits, however, that she’s a bit nervous.

As seniors this year, both of us are committed to improving the band and having the best show yet. Allison takes the field as a Drum Major this year… an exciting position, but one with a lot of responsibility. As Drum Major, she will be one of three conducting the show. She and the other Drum Majors will be leading the band during rehearsals, helping the members improve and polish the show.

Hana will be the Drum Majors’ right hand woman this year as Field Commander. She will be leading the band in marching skills, ensuring that the band stays on top of their marching and will be a bridge of communication between the Drum Majors and the band.

Both of us have our responsibilities to the band now, but with being a senior also comes certain traditions. Whenever it comes to band camp meals, for example, seniors always get first dibs. One of the most emotional traditions, however, is the Senior Circle. On one of the last days of band camp, the band gets together to have a dance. Towards the end, the music stops, and seniors are invited to speak about their experience as a member of the band. Many take this as a time to thank their friends and encourage the underclassmen. Not everyone participates, but it’s a special experience for those who do.

Senior year is an incredibly emotional year for all of us as we close past chapters and open up new ones, but we’re looking forward to taking the field one last time.