Jillian Cantor has been compared to iconic authors like Sarah Dessen for the realistic and beautiful writing of her recently released debut novel, The September Sisters. Cantor certainly appears to be an author to keep an eye on! Learn more about Jillian Cantor from her adorable Geek Fest guest blog below.
When Bella Aire asked me to write about my inner geek, I immediately thought of being in high school, being in marching band, and being what other people might have referred to as a “band geek.” In high school, I was a pretty good musician, and for most of high school, this was my life. I played the saxophone and the clarinet, took weekly music lessons, and even competed, on clarinet, in music competitions. I was a member of marching band, jazz band, symphonic band, and orchestra. I had the Mozart Clarinet Concerto memorized, as well as the school fight song. I roll-stepped, I wore a wool uniform and a tall plumed hat to football games, and I owned my very own pair of Dinkles (those hideously ugly white marching band shoes). When I was a senior, I was the marching band captain, and when the drum major got mono, I had to fill in for her for a few games.
I know a lot of kids at my high school called us band geeks, but I never thought of myself this way – at least, not in a bad way. All of my friends were in band, and sure, we might have spent Friday nights in uniform, but we always had a good time hanging out, playing music. The people I met in band were fun and funny and smart, and some of them are still my friends to this day.
But my favorite part of my band “geek” experience is this: As a sophomore, I had a huge crush on a senior, who played drums and was drum captain in marching band. After a few months, we started dating. Then, even after we both left high school (and marching band) behind, we kept dating. And now, we’ve been married for almost nine years, and we have two kids!
I haven’t played the clarinet in at least ten years. When I got to college, I realized my real passion was writing, and I gave up on music. My husband? He’s a band teacher now. Yep, he’s still a band geek all these years later – but inwardly, I’m still one, too!
Curiosity question: Are you/were you ever a band geek?
I nominated you for an award
ReplyDeletehttp://bookjunkiereviews.blogspot.com/
I wasn't a band geek, but I was a drama geek and in my HS it was all about the same level of uncool
ReplyDeleteI was a drama and choir geek, but I was best friends with a lot of band geeks. Geek love is the best!:)
ReplyDeleteI have never been a band geek but I have been in choir since the second grade. I could never figure out how to play an instrument. I don't really know why.
ReplyDeleteAWw. that is too sweet. The closest I've ever come to being a "band geek" was in the third grade when we played the recorder in music class. Other than that, I have yet to pick up another instrument, although I would love to take piano lessons.
ReplyDeleteI was only in the band for about a week. In 6th grade, we had beginner's band and you had to pass a test to be accepted. Well I passed the test, but my parents wanted me to take art, music, PE, and the other typical electives, so I became a band drop out!
ReplyDeleteLove that Jillian met her husband in band. That is such a cute story!
I was actually in band all through middle school. I was suppose to get out of band my freshmen year of high, but my counselors ignored my request...
ReplyDeleteLuckily, I felt my self enjoying band, and know I'm a senior, still in band!, and I have been Drum Major my last two years of high school!
Although I'm in other clubs, band is my curricular activity I love the most! And know since I won't be going to "Band Camp" (summer band practice) anymore, I was actually thinking of joining a Drum Corps for the summer.
Ha Ha, and like you, I too have a crush on the assistant drum major!
I know this comment is a few years late, but i somehow stumbled on it and loved your love story!