Its football season and it has me reminiscing.

I remember after the long games at Jonesboro High being thoroughly exhausted. Saturated in sweat and gasping for air, I was ready to enjoy the weekend to recuperate. But I wasn't a football player, although because of my size people thought I should become one. No I was a part of something behind the scenes. The long forgotten ones who pour so much blood, sweat and tears into their passion, but rarely are they ever noticed.

I was the band nerd.

If you're read my previous columns, you'll remember that I played the baritone, also known as the euphonium. God graced me with musical ability and soon I discovered my niche playing the euphonium. Not to brag too much, but during my junior and senior high school tenure I was ranked the top euphonium instrumentalist in northeast Arkansas as well as on of the top 10 in the entire state. Sadly, I haven't touched a baritone in almost ten years. But music is still an important facet of my life.

I had to contain myself in a recent conversation with my co-worker Dan because I vented about how little recognition the band received during the football season (or truly ever at all). After pouring out our souls for hours on the practice field, we'd gear up for the half-time show only to be met with half-filled bleachers with probably a less than half-interested audience. Because as you know, it's during half-time when people get up to stretch, take the anticipated bathroom break, or stock up on snacks for the second half the game. While we're on the field, playing our instruments with passion and fervor, apparently we're merely background music while people take a mental break from the game. It's something similar to the music playing in grocery stores, retail chains and restaurants.

While I'm venting, I do respect sports. Even though I was no jock in school, I still am passionate about my Chicago Cubs and the occasional NFL game filling up the TV screen. I'm even planning to attend some Red Wolves games this season.

But I will have to say I felt slightly insignificant when my accomplishments via band only landed me a full tuition scholarship in college when all the athletes got the whole shebang. I'm fortunate my parents helped pay for that first year for room and board, but admittedly I was somewhat bitter. After all, at the time I attended UCA, the band program was far more successful than the football team. I understand, however, that the football games provide income for college. People don't line up to hear the latest rendition of some 70's song; they want to see touchdowns, tackles and cheerleaders.

The whole gamut of the fine arts program is being threatened by an economically struggling education system. Schools all across the nation, in an attempt to be frugal, are cutting corners at the expense of the arts where it receives the biggest blow or is eradicated completely. Or if something within the department is deleted, it's the forgotten band program. This is to our shame.

There are several reasons why the arts program is vital to our education system. I know probably the bulk of American doesn't care about who painted what, the history behind a musical piece by Mozart, or how to effectively project your voice so that it's smooth, soothing and healthy on your vocal chords, but these programs offer hope to a distinct group of people. One thing I remember about being in band was that it filled a social void. I didn't exactly mesh with the popular kids, but I found band socially fulfilling. It was there I met kindred spirits and cultivated some friendships that have outlasted the seasons of life. And it was during my journey as a band geek I discovered some important principles about myself that have shaped me into who I am today. If the band program didn't exist, honestly I don't know where I would have fit in.

So when half-time comes this year and band strolls out on the field or plays in the bleachers, remember a lot of work has been poured into those moments. At least show some courtesy and thankfulness because you'd be surprised how empty those football games would be without the band's existence.