My years as a sousaphone in the Notre Dame Marching Band As a member of the ND marching band, I have worked with many different people of different backgrounds with music, something I find is a great way to bring people together. I have traveled to many different places in the United States and have learned of the hospitality of my fellow citizens. I have also done service with the band, including cleaning parks and performing pep rallies for nuns. I feel the band has helped me feel more confident about taking on leadership positions, and also with just communicating with people in general. I also know what it means to be a part of a team and to work to make everyone, including myself and an audience, proud of our work.