I was competitive, and my band competed on the weekends. I was athletic, and percussionists have to wear their equipment while articulating all appendages with precision. I liked discipline, and the drumline rehearsed in a regimented style that demanded perfection. I enjoyed a challenge, and we attempted harder shows with each passing year. The marching activity drew upon many of my strengths, but mostly, I just loved music.

After an inspiring high school experience, my interest in the activity grew with each passing year. As a result many doors have opened, such as:

• Touring the country for three summers with drum and bugle corps, and win a national championship in one of those years.
• Teaching high school drumlines to take them to regional and national competitions.
• Learning to write music and effectively communicate creative ideas.
• Teaching a top tier, all-age drum and bugle corps and indoor drumline.
• Meeting my wife in drum corps.
• Starting a marching music accessory business with acquired industry knowledge.

The marching activity has shaped my life in so many positive ways. The experiences listed above would not have been possible without the skills I learned or the people I met while playing a drum! However, I fear that one day my children won't have the same opportunities that I once had. I encourage all parents to fight cuts in the marching arts by fundraising, or simply speaking up at a board meeting. This is an activity that kids get passionate about and something at which they want to work hard. It also imparts a valuable combination of life skills that are difficult to attain in another activity.

What would you rather have your kids do with their free time?

Michael Ferry lives in St. Paul with his wife (and music teacher) Shelby and their hound dog, Avery. Additionally, Mike works in Artist Relations at MakeMusic, Inc. (makers of SmartMusic and Finale).