Buddies help build bonds in MHS Marching Band

By Aybika Kamil

The Chronicle | MBC

The Mason High School Marching Band found a unique way to develop and strengthen relationships between members. Secret Buddies is an anonymous gift exchange. Students in the band are paired up to give each other personalized gifts. 

At the beginning of the marching band season, a survey is sent to members who choose to participate in Secret Buddies. Members put their name, section, and grade along with snacks and drinks they prefer. This information is sent to a student in the band who will be their Secret Buddy for the entire season.  

Students in the marching band prepare a gift before every home game and competition to give to their secret buddy. This helps members to talk to other students with whom they may not usually get an opportunity to connect. 

Secret Buddies stay anonymous with the help of another student in the band. If a student is in the trombones section and their buddy is in the color guard, the trombones member will most likely hand off their gift to their buddy through someone else in the color guard.