As a parent of three high school "band nerds" I must say fuck you.
High school band is its own world, no doubt. But, thanks to the awesomeness of high school football in Texas, it's also the best you'll find pretty much anywhere. And it is a place of belonging for a lot of kids who are not naturally athletic or are different in many ways. But they are great kids and many go on to do great things.
And, holy hell, do they work hard!
I've seen it up close for many years, so I know what it takes to make a great marching band, which is why I get so annoyed at all the oohing and aahhhhing over the aggie band. I admit it looks impressive the first time you see it, but it ain't hard to do what they do.
End soap box.