Introduction: A Familiar Melody

On a crisp August morning, the sun gently breaks over the sprawling campus of Lake Highlands High School in Dallas, Texas. The school's mascot, the Wildcats, serves as a symbol of their spirit and tenacity. It was here, in the heart of the Wildcat Band, that I rediscovered profound lessons in the most unexpected place– a marching band.

The Talisman team was invited to shadow the school’s band program, led by directors Reagan Brumley, Aaron Singleton, and Claire Pittman. The moment I stepped onto campus, I was engulfed in an atmosphere charged with a high level of energy where the sound of music echoed through the air. The powerful sound of brass, the synchronized beating of drums, and the nostalgia of my own time in a high school marching band all combined to send chills of excitement down my arms.

As I witnessed the Wildcat Band's dedication, discipline, and passion, it struck me that the lessons I was learning that day transcended the confines of the football field. The parallels between the world of marching bands and my journey in helping build Talisman, a SaaS management software startup, were striking. Here are the key takeaways that bridge the gap between these seemingly contrasting professions.

1. Every Rep Counts: Quality Over Quantity

In both the worlds of marching bands and startups, it's not about the quantity of effort but the quality of each rep. A day with this band taught me that every repetition, every rehearsal, and every iteration of the process matters. Just as they meticulously fine-tune their sounds, step sizes, and choreography, startups must focus on refining their product, service, or strategy with each iteration.

Their approach to perfecting their marching show mirrors a startup refining its minimum viable product (MVP). It's not about adding more features but about ensuring each feature makes a difference. Every rehearsal, every note, and every line of code should contribute to the overall excellence of the final product.

2. Teamwork and Collaboration: The Power of Unity

The Wildcat Band showcased the power of teamwork and collaboration throughout their rehearsals. The collective energy that poured from this group of 140 teenagers was a testament to their dedication to their standard of performance. Startups, too, thrive on effective and dedicated teamwork where each member contributes to the overall success. Just as the band created a harmonious sound, startups create products or services that rely on everyone playing their part in perfect balance.

Most striking was the sense of unity exuding from the band. From the drum major’s conducting to the last trumpet note, each student had a unique role to play. The success of their performance depended on the precise synchronization of their individual contributions. Flip to the startup world, it's the same. We might as well be a professional symphony where every team member plays a crucial role in the pursuit of an excellent performance that draws an audience from across the globe.

3. Adversity and Adaptability: Resilience in Action

Whether marching in a band or building a startup, you can expect unexpected challenges to arise when you least anticipate them. The band directors demonstrated how to handle these challenges with complete composure– they never once hesitated in the face of adversity.

Let me paint a picture: During one specific rehearsal, a student jumped the gun and entered a specific section of the music earlier than was written. The result? A momentary and seemingly minuscule hiccup in the performance. But what left a lasting impression on me was how the directors handled it. They didn't sweep it under the rug; instead, they brought the entire band to a halt, addressed the error (in a particularly encouraging way), and had everyone start over from the beginning. Why? Because they understood that each and every person in that program had the potential for excellence and anything less was simply unacceptable. They reinforced their mantra of upholding “the standard of performance.” What was even more inspiring was that the students held each other to this same high standard. It was all about establishing a precedent from the very start – even in the face of adversity, nothing but the best is expected. If anyone can achieve this, then they must.

In the startup game, this is akin to a constant pursuit of perfection and remaining agile at all times to keep yourself growing. It reiterates the importance of always maintaining the highest standards and addressing even the tiniest issues within your product or team.

4. Planning and Continuous Improvement: The Road to Excellence

Out of the four rehearsals I attended, each was relentlessly committed to continuous improvement. They planned their rehearsal meticulously, dissecting every measure of every page to ensure excellence. Startups should share this dedication with a clear roadmap for the future, constant product refinement, and an unwavering commitment to learning and growth.

Before the band played a single note, they had a conversation to discuss their goals for the day's practice. Similarly, the importance of setting clear goals and debriefing on progress (or failures) cannot be overstated in a startup. Whether it's a band rehearsing a new piece of music or a startup experimenting with product market fit, a commitment to incremental progress is key.

5. Leadership and Accountability: Inspiring Excellence

Leadership was evident at every level of the band program, from directors to student leaders to non-titled members, each leading by example. In startups, effective leadership is the driving force behind success. It's about inspiring excellence, setting high standards, and ensuring accountability at all levels of the organization.

When things didn’t go as planned, the directors took the time to discuss why issues arose and why it’s important to respond correctly when they happen.

Leadership isn't about being a dictator or the smartest in the room; it's about being a guide, seeing the potential in those around you (that they might not see in themselves), and pushing them to be great. Just as Reagan, Aaron, and Claire inspired excellence through their dedication and commitment to their craft, startup leaders must lead by example. It's about fostering a culture where everyone takes ownership and strives for excellence. This infectious energy and vibrance will carry on as you grow from a team of 5 to 500.

"Finish Strong - If You're Gassed, That Makes You Like Everyone Else" - Reagan Brumley

Throughout my day with the band, one quote repeated in my head: "Finish strong - if you're gassed, that makes you like everyone else." This quote, spoken by the head director, Reagan Brumley, serves as a reminder that in both marching bands and startups, the final push, even when you're exhausted, can make all the difference. It’s what separates the great from the good. The directors constantly emphasized that giving your best until the very end is a lesson that's just as applicable to life and entrepreneurship.

The lessons I look back on during my visit to the Wildcat Band program at Lake Highlands High School demonstrate the universal principles that drive success. Whether you're perfecting a marching band performance or developing a software product like Talisman, the journey demands every ounce of dedication, energy, and commitment you can muster. But while you’re on this journey, enjoy every moment of it. As I sat and watched the entire day, I witnessed moments of pushing individuals to their limits, inspiration, and, at times, frustration. However, what remained consistent throughout was the unfaltering spirit of their team—Reagan, Aaron, and Claire. They never forgot to infuse humor, laughter, smiles, and encouragement into every interaction with the students. Whether you’re starting a company or producing a marching band show, you face a road that is both long and challenging. It's essential not to lose sight of the simple joys that make us human.

Music and startups, two seemingly different paths, come together, working similarly to create something great. As I wrap up my reflection, I'm reminded of one more lesson from my time visiting the Wildcat band, "Be so good that it's blatantly obvious when something isn't held to that standard." It's a reminder that, in music and entrepreneurship, the pursuit of excellence is a journey of continuous learning and growth. Every day, we strive to be better, to create something extraordinary, and to make the world take notice—whether on the field or as a startup.

In the words of my dear friend and band director Aaron Singleton, “How you do anything is how you do everything. The standard of performance drives the behavior that precedes the success.” A good reminder to continue to push forward with passion and dedication, creating our own marching band in the world of startups.

Thank you

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of the students who graciously allowed us to enter their space to watch them grow, learn, and inspire. I also want to give a special thank you to Aaron, a close friend I've known since the 7th grade; Reagan, my former high school band director; and Claire, a new-found friend. They welcomed the Talisman team with open arms and gave us invaluable insights.

The entire Talisman team is grateful for your warm welcome and excited to be your newest and biggest fans! Go Wildcats!

Anthony Garza

Product & Marketing
Talisman

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