I've spent the past 9 years of my life in band—literally almost half of my life! And it has been the greatest blessing! But shockingly, I absolutely hated band, and actually left the public school after my freshman year of high school just to avoid marching! But Benedictine's experience was totally different.

Fast forward to the summer after my freshman year of college and I'm looking to transfer to Benedictine College. I knew that I wanted to be in band again and establish that sense of community that I'd been missing. After a bit more grappling and meeting the directors in person, I decided to let all my bad past experiences go and give it another try… That decision has turned out to be one of the best ones of my life. Being in band here at Benedictine means so much more than just playing in an ensemble.

But marching was still not on my radar. In my discussions with the band directors before transferring, it sounded like they really valued their students and were genuinely a solid community. I wanted to hang up as soon as the director mentioned marching. Oh great, here we go again I thought. I politely but adamantly expressed that I had no interest in marching whatsoever and only wanted to be in concert band. When I left the public high school after my freshman year, I wanted to go to a fancy music conservatory, join an orchestra, and be a professional bassoonist. Yet I felt unvalued in high school by my band directors, that my ability to march was all I could offer.

Benedictine's experience was totally different. The directors cared about me as a person and the other members help me be a better person. Not only that, but the Benedictine band is a family. I've made such a great group of friends who have increased my love for not only band, but for being a Benedictine college student. This community has made being a transfer so much easier. There's always someone to sit with in the caf, walk to class with, or vent to about the crazy day you've just had. The Raven Regiment is a unique family, and one that anyone would be so lucky to be a part of.

~ Alexis Tartamella (JR/Kingwood, TX)