I have a huge decision to make, please help me!?!

I have a huge decision to make, please help me!?

Okay, so here's the story. I have been involved in the band program at my school since 5th grade, I will be a junior this year. I play percussion and freshman year I started playing on our drumline. I started off on cymbols and played snare last year and will be this year too. Apparently I'm really good because I made snare, but I always feel like I'm bringing everyone down or something, I might be my own worst critic but I don't know. I dread going to practice every time and feel bad about myself. I'm not friends with the people in drumline and have wanted to quit for a long time. I would quit but my parents love band and I don't want to be a quitter. Should I suck it up and stay with it or should I relax and quit. I know I would be alot happier if I quit but I'm scared I will regret it if I do. I just don't feel like I belong there, am I just being stupid? If I quit I will let alot of people down: teachers, students, girls, family, and...myself. Please help me!

As a female percussionist of many years, and my own worst critic, I feel what you are saying. Let me tell you something...

I understand being part of something dominated by males. But, I never said anything; I just let my talents speak for themselves. And my teacher had SO much confidence in me, that he threw me in the pit section. Now, I could not read those notes. I had no idea what keys nor scales were. Why would he EVER do something like that to me?!? Anyway, I was gingerly taught, and picked it right up, so quickly that I amazed everyone-including myself!

A few months later, my instructor thought I had a real gift and brought me to join her drum corps. Wow, was that ever scary! The corps leader was skeptical and wary, but took me under her wing. Again, I picked it right up, and truly impressed everyone, including my music teacher. When he saw me play in competition, he hugged me and said, "you beat me". Beat meaning surpassed, but anyway, he was SO enthralled, he crowned me pit captain for next season. Let me just say that senior year, I helped lead us to win after win!

It was amazing. I cannot take ALL the credit though, because if those 3 never believed in me, I doubt I would have come that far. Now, as I gaze upon my trophies and medals, I can finally say years later, "yeah, I was really good!" I know how hard it can be, but if your parents and teachers believe in you, there's no telling how far you can reach!

Did I forget to mention that I was crowned leader of my percussion section in college, over a MUSIC MAJOR, who is actually my best friend? Yeah...that rocked. Drum on, ~N