When my selection tour stop took place in my high school auditorium about a month before the game, I thought to myself, Wow, this must be a really big deal if all these people are coming to help announce that I got in the band. But after having my experience in San Antonio, I now understand what all the hype was about. It really was a big deal.

Caitlin Koch, Pennsylvania

It was an incredible experience and one that I will carry with me my entire life!! Thank you so much!

Christine Norton, New Jersey

This past week was one of the greatest experiences I've had with the marching activity before. The other musicians that I worked with all week were the definition of All-American and it was great making friends and performing next to them. It was a once in a lifetime experience!

Brad Schoener, Pennsylvania

The most exhilarating moment, however, was when we all played the opening fanfare in the room underneath the dome right before we lined up in the tunnel at halftime. It was the last notes we would all play together before the show, and I could feel everyone's emotions. The precision of the fanfare was amazing, and you could feel everyone's focus and excitement. It was utterly amazing - I got goose bumps after playing it. And the look on the staffs' faces after we played it was priceless. As the final note echoed throughout the room, everyone looked at each other and smiled in awe because we knew all the hard work paid off and it was amazing.

Billy Walick, Tennessee

This experience was second to no other. It was very refreshing to be surrounded by talented musicians who had the same desire of achieving perfection. In addition to working with people my age, we worked with some of the most elite staff in the country.

Phillip Knorr, North Carolina

The experience was wonderful! I couldn't think of a way to improve things!

Ian Poole, North Carolina

This experience has probably been the best thing that has happened to me so far. Being around these amazing people and musicians made this week worth it. I made so many friends that I know I'll keep in touch with and one day hope to see again. The staff was amazing and they made this week a blast. The bowl was so much fun. The chills I got before we went on made the whole experience so much more intense and amazing.

Megan Carpenter, New York

I really appreciated the fun events during the week. I enjoyed the Alamo; I find historical places intriguing. The riverboat ride was beautiful. My favorite, however, was the rodeo, because I love horses. These breaks were very needed, at least for me. Thanks!

Carolyn Burnett, Utah

The Bowl was the most amazing experience for me as a musician and as a person. Everyone was so accepting and they all had the right attitude towards our goal with our limited time. The faculty was absolutely phenomenal!!!

Barrett Parten, Arkansas

This was honestly one of the best experiences of my life. The city was great, the hotel was great, and the bowl game was great. I made memories and friendships that will undoubtedly last a lifetime.

Curtis Wassam, New York

This past week was just about the most incredible thing I've done. I went expecting something great but never something like what we managed to put together. The rehearsals were absolutely amazing. I am still amazed both the staff and the students were so great!!!!

Lauren Chao, Nevada

These past 6 days have been the most amazing days in my life so far. I was amazed that a group of my peers could work so hard and still have a blast doing it. On my second flight home, I was sitting across from one of the army heroes, and he said that it stinks that we didn't get to go out and do as much as the football players. At first I agreed with him, but then I thought about it a few seconds and realized that I had more fun working on the show with the other All-Americans.

Chelsea Bartlett, New York

I really enjoyed performing with some of the finest musicians in the country and I wish I could have brought this band back home with me to Hawaii.

Nickolas Ha, Hawaii