Alumni Band

Yesterday I did something that I hadn’t done in 6 years. I woke up before the sun came up, fixed my hair and makeup, put on my jazz shoes, and headed to band field for Saturday morning practice. 

Every year, former members of the Auburn University Marching Band are invited out toThe Plains to participate in the halftime show of the homecoming game. This was the first year where scheduling and motivation collided for me to attend. So, with a little encouragement from my sweet friend, Dawn, I decided to stretch my legs and high kick (or not-so-high-kick) once more. 

I was pretty apprehensive about participating because I haven’t danced since I was a sophomore in college and I wasn’t sure I’d really know anybody there but it ended up being a great day! The thing I always loved most about Tiger Eyes and the AUMB was how warm, kind, and friendly all of the members were. When people ask me if I miss being a part of it all, I always say that I don’t miss the life-consuming schedule but that I miss all of those wonderful girls. I was so nice catching up with people I hadn’t seen in years and seeing what successful and loving women they have all turned out to be. It was a true joy. 

As for the life-consuming schedule part of the deal, yesterday was also a reminder of how challenging and exhausting my whole experience with the AUMB was. Those early morning practices are rough and sitting in the hot sun during a boring game is not super fun. I am no longer 18 and do not have the same energy I had in college. When all way said and done, I ended up going to bed at 8 o’clock with an incredibly sunburnt face and sore back muscles. It was definitely a reminder that I’m getting older! Overall though, it was a great day with great people and I’m already looking forward to going back next year!

Here are some of my pictures from the day. I'm still waiting on the big group shots to be emailed to me!

A few of the alumni dancers in the stands

This picture was on al.com, which is pretty awesome. I'm the one on the end who isn't kicking as high as everyone else. Oops. I told y'all I'm getting old! :)

Sweet Dawn. My favorite! Dawn stayed with us Friday night and helped me learn the routines. She's the best!

 

Some of my favorite flag girls!

These two ladies made my year on the flag line an absolute blast! Along with Emily, we called ourselves the fantastic four and got into all kinds of trouble. Emily didn't make it to alumni band this year so we posed with this flag in her place. We missed you lady! Please come next year!