Why the AAMB?

Going into band my freshman year of high school, first year band students were required to be in the marching band. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the marching band. I’d always enjoyed playing music, but the idea of marching around on a football field in front of a crowd sounded a little intimidating. 

But by the end of that first season, marching band had become something I looked forward to every day. I became fully immersed in the tradition of marching band, and it grew into a huge part of my high school identity and outside of it. It was the community, the pride, and the shared experiences that made it so special. Through this experience, I also discovered Drum Corps International (DCI), which became something I truly enjoy watching and listening to. The energy, precision, and artistry of the performances are mesmerizing. While I’m not sure if I have the time, money, or skill to be a part of it myself, I can't help but admire the art. 

Going into college, I was already set on going to Purdue University which you can read about here.

But even as I focused on my studies going to Purdue for its strong computer science program, I knew I didn’t want to leave music behind. It had been such an integral part of my high school experience, and I wanted to continue that tradition in college.

I’d heard about Purdue’s All-American Marching Band (AAMB) and even seen it in person when going to games before, but I wasn’t sure if I would have the time to balance music with my academic goals. When making the decision to join, I found out it was made up entirely of non-music majors, which made it stand out from many college marching bands. Whether you're studying computer science like me or pursuing a career in engineering, everyone has a place in the band. 

It felt like the perfect opportunity to stay connected to my love for the marching band art while also pursuing my future in technology. The decision to join the AAMB suddenly felt like the right choice, and it gave me a chance to blend two aspects of my life that were equally important to me: my studies and my love for music.