After being in band and experiencing that bond, that pride you feel when you’re a member of this amazing tradition of excellence, I watched tonight’s show with a new perspective, enjoying this show tremendously more than the ones I attended before high school.

I’ve been attending these dinners since 4th grade when Pei first entered high school and so many things have changed since then. I still remember when the Princesses had their own segment when they performed their routine. I still remember when they even allowed female band members to do banner and those girls were fucking amazons. I still remember when they gave little small trophies to winners of drill downs. I still remember spazzing, as a pre-teen, about how hunky Chris Go was (and how much I spazzed when he went to AFOB my senior year). I still remember when Pep Band always slowly crept into the gym from both sides, quietly introducing the melody of “Big Red” before crescendoing into something powerful and mighty. 

And even though so much has changed, everything still feels so familiar…so right. The always packed gyms. The version of Star Spangled Banner that makes me weak in the knees. The beautiful, bright red uniforms. The mesmerizing movements of the flags. The majestic sound of the band. And most importantly, the tall giant man with the white fluffy beard. 

I’ve known about Mr. Landes for so long (even before he knew me), looked up to him for so long, and was deeply blessed to have gotten closer with him after I switched to trombones. I realized I’m only a measly one of thousands that he has touched throughout his amazing legacy of 33 years but nonetheless, he has impacted me in ways that I could never explain. He has imparted all of us with wisdom, knowledge, morals and doggedness. 

There are not enough words to express my gratitude for Mr. Landes. Thank you so incredibly much for making my tenth Spaghetti Dinner as magical as it will ever be. I will never forget you or the memories I’ve made with this band.