To the Hickman High School Marching Band –
The Kassel Family time has come to an end. From our daughter’s humble beginnings during COVID with “Black Widow”,…
…to our daughter’s first experience with props in “Untamed”,…
…to the first time our kids marched together in “The Crown”,…
…to the judge almost being run over in “The Hive”,…
…to “The Agent” winning Blue Springs when the show wasn’t even finished,…
…and finally, to a goose-bump inducing performance of “Broken Hearts” at Bands of America,…
…it has been quite a ride. While the band has seen so much success and it has been so much fun watching every moment, that is not what I hope my kids remember. What I hope they remember is band camp, the countless hours of early morning practice, section breakfasts, repeating the same drill over and over, Friday Night Lights, the hard work, and the fun. I hope they remember the lessons learned even if they did not realize there was a lesson. They learned to hold themselves accountable. They learned kindness. They learned leadership skills. They learned how to be confident, which led to our daughter continuing to march at Southeast Missouri State University.
They learned how to help and support everyone even when they didn’t get along with another member. These are the life lessons that matter so much more than all the trophies in the world.
To Mr. Swope, Mr. Sweeney, and the rest of the staff – I truly hope that you know what you have built here. The growth of this band over our six, short years is nothing short of phenomenal. This band is a true team. Every kid matters and every kid has a home here. They work so hard every day for each other and that is because of you. Twenty years from now, my kids will still be talking about you. Yes, they will talk about the fun times, and they will laugh about the crazy times, but they will remember the directors and staff that made them a part of a team that was larger than themselves. You did more than just your job. It is an experience that my kids and all of these kids will never forget.
A simple thank you just does not seem like enough, but it will have to do. March on, Kewpies! You will always have our hearts.
The Kassels – Andrew, Erica, Laura, and John