It's been almost four years since I first stumbled across the demo. I can't believe how time flies. I knew that game development took time (I've been waiting for the next entry in my all-time favorite series for...hmm...almost 10 years?), so every once in a while, I would check to see if there were any updates. Words cannot express how happy I was to see that the game had been released. In fall 2019, when I first played the demo, it was my first semester in college away from my band family. Now, I've graduated with my degree and working my first "big girl" job. It's scary being a young adult, and this game is almost healing in the sense that it reminds me of the most memorable time of my teenage years. I remember the first and only solo I had during concert band, but it ended up being the push for me to try out for section leader the spring before my senior year. Of course, there were many tears as well. Our director was a stern man, having served a stint in the Navy. Sure, he shouted insults at us and threw things (just pencils/pens and the like), but deep down I knew he just wanted all of us to be the best versions of ourselves. I haven't finished all of the routes yet, but Tom has a special place in my heart as a fellow trombonist. I gave up playing my instrument when I went to college, but playing this game has made me consider picking up a new instrument as a hobby - not continuing music in some fashion has always been one of my biggest regrets.
I don't have as much free time now as an adult, but I'm slowly but surely making my way through the different routes. Each one I've played is unique and touches on the different things that make band, marching band specifically, so special. I met my best friend because of marching band, and I remember the stupid smile on my face when I saw Cadence's best friend Susie also played sousa like my best friend used to. Band taught me many things, some of which I've forgotten already, but I will never forget what it's like to be loved so fiercely by a group. Congrats on all of your hard work and perseverance. I hope I've adequately expressed how special this game is. <3