Band membership badge of honor

Through the decades, those of us privileged to be in the Portales High School Ram band wear the distinction like a badge of honor.

There’s a project under way for former members to send letters telling current students about the positive impact the band had on their lives.

How fortunate am I to have a newspaper column? I’ll write my letter here.

We took incredible trips every year. We learned if you want to march down Disneyland Main Street on a fine spring day, it will take lots of planning, practice and money. I sold fruitcakes, washed cars, and sold more fruitcakes. It’s good to earn money for something you believe in.

We marched in straight lines. It was demanded that we play notes perfectly and not drop batons. We realized if you work as hard as you can possibly work toward perfection, even your greatest rivals will drop their jaws and give you a standing ovation. It’s a great feeling to receive that kind of respect.

When twirlers were going out of style and drum corps leaders were coming in, John Bealmear gave a 98-pound girl the chance to stand out in the middle of a football field and literally bark orders to a 150-piece band. I believe there’s no war on women. If you want to do something, you can give it your all and accomplish it.

Here’s hoping today’s members of the PHS band will cherish their memories and make the most of their time in this honorable organization.

If you’d like to send your letter of encouragement, please e-mail current PHS Band Director Jennifer Johnson at [email protected]

Sandy Fields keeps an online journal at her website http://www.field-days.com

E-mail her at: [email protected]