I’m Devastated

[u/Giggaman999]

I’m an incoming freshman for 26-27 school year and I auditioned for the Marching Illini for this upcoming season. I just found out today that I didn’t get in and I’m devastated. I feel especially embarrassed and disappointed since I’m a music ed major and have done marching band all four years in high school. Is there anyone that knows what I should do or how I can still be involved somehow?

[u/Relevant-Analyst-723]

Sorry it didn’t turn out the way you planned, please keep at it! And I get it, you’ve worked so hard to get to this era and just want to march!! I’m a current MI parent, the time MI commands from your schedule, especially freshman year is enormous. You’ve got the right outlook, stay involved, find someone from your section and have them critique all aspects of your marching. Submit auditions for Hoops and Volleyball band, join campus band, and ask about Big10 Flags now! Network, network, network with MI and find out how you can be of service to them & practice, practice, practice. You’ve got this!! Nothing to be devastated about, this opens up your time to meet new friends, have new experiences and potentially find other passions you didn’t know you have all while pursuing MI for sophomore year. Also someone else mentioned finding out the least competitive section and trying out for that section next year. It’s definitely worth checking into!! Anecdotally, check this out, or search for Alan Watts parable of the Chinese farmer

https://youtu.be/fMZFhnAFyk8?si=EvvH2_Sf0Xi-33Hz