I find it hard to explain what it truly means to be a freshman in the Corps of Cadets, specifically in Band Company, to those not in the Corps. The numerous ranks, jargon, regulations, and unwritten rules are one thing, and the Highty Tighties are another. This entirely different sect within the Corps of Cadets deserves it’s own post.

I’m in Band Company, which is comprised of, you guessed it, musicians. Everyone plays/are currently learning how to play an instrument and we have been practicing marching and our music for the past two weeks for our first game, which was against Appalachian State yesterday (which we won!).

Well, before we could prove we were ready, the training company (aka TC, aka freshmen) traversed through hell and back before we could wear our white chords in public. I won’t reveal the exact details, but I will say that I’m completely honored to be a part of the Band Company and can’t wait to be recognized as a full-fledged Highty Tighty when I turn (become a sophomore) at the end of the Spring semester. The agitated and jumbled emotions, serendipitous timing of the weather, and grueling three weeks of training has brought us closer as a bud class.

My first show with the Highty Tighties