Since it's fall and UT football has returned looking like the Vols of old (thank you, David Cutcliffe), I'm remembering fondly some of my most favorite moments with the UT Band.  I got a call from Mo tonight.  She's been teaching in Georgia and is in town for Homecoming.   So I sort of blame her for this  ;)

As an instructor, Homecoming was always stressful.  Trying to coordinate everything, make sure all Alumni members were accounted for (and had flags and charts), keep current members focused on the task at hand, remember my own suit, pantyhose and uncomfortable shoes.  Then again, until I achieved a level of authority and responsibility, I didn't know everything that was involved.  As a member, I sat around and griped and complained about...whatever.  That's what members do -- they complain, sometimes often and very loudly. 

I remember being embarrased by the Alumni flags the first year or so I was in band.  Now that I'm an true alumni, I don't look at it that way. 

It's all about perspective.

I still remember turning the corner at Hodges Library in 1995 my very first march down.  We were wearing navy skirts and the traditional jacket WITH earrings.  I had attempted to curl my hair for the event, which promptly fell out the second I stepped from the car.  As soon as we turned toward the Hill, all I heard was noise.  All I saw was orange -- varying shades and degrees of orange.  It was an awesome sight, and a moment that still gives me chills.

I also remember my final turn in what I thought would be my last year with the UT Band.  I'd been emotional anyway, because I wasn't sure what I would do when I graduated, and I wasn't quite ready to let go.  We sang the Alma Mater; I mouthed the words as tears began to stream down my face.  The second my feet began that decline by Glocker and the University Center, the world went into slow motion.  Shakers waved in my face; cheers were more drawn out than usual.  I memorized that moment, entering it into the photo album of my mind with some of my other cherished memories.  Even as I type this, I'm crying because I am instantly transported to that moment, with a misty rain falling that November afternoon, grey clouds mirroring my mood.  I loved the band.  I gave my all for the band.  That day was 6 years ago. 

As much as I would like to go back, and see everyone, and have the good time the Alumni seemed to have 2 years ago at Homecoming, I won't. 

What's changed?

My perspective.