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Reflecting on Leadership: A Marching Band Journey & Dads Perspective.

Writer's picture: Austin J. CrawfordAustin J. Crawford

Updated: Feb 2

The Drum Beat Fades

As Bella’s senior year rapidly comes to a close, so does her high school marching band journey—a chapter filled with victories, growth, and countless memories. It’s a season of her life to be remembered, not just for the performances, but for the discipline, focus, and dedication she and her team embodied.

I hope my words bring clarity, even as I write through the lens of tear-filled eyes and an emotional mind. Typically, I type to teach, to coach, or to edify others. But today, I write to process. This post is equal parts reflection and celebration of our Marching Band & Bella’s incredible journey.

Over the past four years, Bella has transformed rapidly before my eyes. She started as participant/contributor, became a mentor, and ultimately stepped into a role of leader and coach as a Drum Major. Along the way, she found her voice, her strength, and her ability to inspire those around her.

For me, this journey has been equally meaningful. Watching her grow has been a gift—a chance to reflect on the lessons marching band may teach us all about life, leadership, and creativity. It’s not just about music or trophies; it’s about the deeper skills and values that shape who we are and who we’re becoming…

The Growth of a Leader & Lessons Learned

As I reflect on Bella’s growth, I see so much more than a marching band member. I see a young woman who has learned what it means to lead with heart, to show up even when it’s hard, and to face challenges with courage and grace. Marching band has been her arena for learning life’s big lessons—about teamwork, time management, resilience, and accountability.

One of the most beautiful parts of this journey has been watching Bella seek mentorship from her directors and those who came before her. I’ve seen her transition from being supported as a freshman saxophonist to supporting others in her role as Drum Major. Bella has gone from following the beat to setting tempo, from relying on the guidance of her peers to being the one others look up to. She didn’t just develop as a leader on the field; she’s becoming a leader in life.

The Emotional Goodbye

The emotions of this chapter ‘coming to an end’ are overwhelming. There’s a sense of pride, and personal joy, of course, for what she’s accomplished. But there’s also a bittersweet sadness in knowing this part of her journey is over. As my wife and I watched her step off the field for the last time, we couldn’t help but cry—for their hearts, the memories, for the growth, and for the fantastic beauty of it all. These tears, though, are not just sadness. There’s some gratitude layered in there too. Gratitude for the experience, for the friendships she’s developed, for the lessons that will hopefully last them and her a lifetime.

Bella’s words after the BOA Grand Nationals summed it up perfectly: “It’s ok. We put it out there, and we threw down.”  — While they didn’t progress as we all had hoped, she reminds me that success is not defined by judges or placements.

“Dad, our success is not defined by old white men in the [press] box.” — Wow!!! That mindset—of valuing effort, passion, and self-defined success—A lesson that will serve her well as she steps into her future. It’s clear that this is something her mentors and marching team have instilled in her. Thankful she’s had an example in leadership, diverse passion, and ALL the guidance through this journey.

As we look ahead to college and her pursuit of music education, I trust that these experiences will be a catalyst for her. The perseverance, patience, and “sticktoitiveness” that she’s developed will carry her through, inspiring others and herself, along the way. This isn’t just the end of a chapter—it’s the start of a new story, one filled with potential, creativity, and the same determination that has defined her marching band years.

Takeaways for Fellow Parents and Leaders:

Parent Reflection: These takeaways may remind us that our role as parents is not just to witness the journey but to nurture, guide, and celebrate it alongside them.

  • Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection: Focus on the effort and growth rather than the outcome. The lessons learned and the memories made are far more lasting than any trophy or accolade.

  • Model Gratitude and Perspective: Help your child see the value in every experience, from the victories to the challenges. Gratitude fosters resilience and a deeper appreciation for the journey.

  • Support Their Leadership Journey: Encourage small acts of leadership—whether through teamwork, accountability, or perseverance. These moments shape their ability to lead and inspire others in the future. 

Leadership Reflection: These three principles can provide a foundation for leaders to foster growth, inspire progress, and build meaningful connections.

  • Focus on Progress Over Perfection: Celebrate effort, growth, and small victories, recognizing that the journey shapes the outcome more than the result itself.

  • Lead with Gratitude and Perspective: Cultivate a mindset of appreciation, helping others find value in every challenge and opportunity, no matter the outcome.

  • Empower Through Action: Inspire those you lead by modeling teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Leadership is built through consistent, intentional actions.

Final Reflection

This journey may be coming to an end for our seniors (and senior parents), but the lessons will live on in Bella, in me, and in everyone our kids have touched. I’m so thankful for this experience and all the incredible moments we’ve shared.

As I look back on this chapter, I’m filled with gratitude—for the lessons, the memories, and the incredible young woman Bella has become. Below are a few photos of our favorite moments, ones that remind me of the winners they all are—and always will be.

Celebrate wins in the struggle. Cherish the moments. Time is fleeting but profoundly meaningful to our development.

Make Today Great! (“Best Day Yet…”)

****A Special Note****

For those inspired by the journey, I’ve created a couple of items (with links) that embody the themes of leadership, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence:

“Set the Tempo: March to Victory”— highlighting the discipline and leadership needed to guide a team forward, keeping everyone in sync while striving for greatness.

“We Put It Out There & Threw Down” — a nod to the courage, effort, and passion poured into every action, regardless of external judgment.

These slogans are more than just reminders of the band’s experience; they capture the spirit of leadership that anyone can carry forward.

If you’d like to celebrate this spirit, you can check out the shirt here or grab a framed print here as a visual reminder of what it means to lead with heart.


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