Maggie Alford (fifth from the left) and her new friends smile on stage at the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo.
After nearly a century of shaping leaders in agriculture, the National FFA Organization has surpassed one million members. Although this milestone is incredible, imagine being the only member from your FFA chapter in a sea of more than 71,000 members at the National FFA Convention & Expo. For Maggie Alford, this was both an honor and a challenge.
“I didn’t know how to rely on the fact I was there by myself and didn’t have any familiar people to find and to talk about all the anxiety I was having,” she said.
Although Alford was proud of stepping out of her comfort zone, she missed the familiarity of home. Except for her dad, who had come to support her, Alford started her journey alone and with fear and doubt. Was traveling across the country to play her clarinet truly worth it?
The Sweetest Soul
Alford’s love for music began in fourth grade when she attended a school music showcase. The B-flat clarinet sparked a curiosity that turned into a nine-year journey. Although she also learned to read music for the tenor and alto saxophones, she auditioned for the National FFA Band with her clarinet.
A dedicated musician, Alford has juggled dual enrollment in college-level bands, high school parade competitions and concert performances. However, joining FFA put her in a unique position.
She loved the program but didn’t share the same agricultural background as many of her peers. Alford grew up in Alta Sierra, Calif., tending to a garden and raising poultry; she didn’t come from a long line of ranchers or livestock exhibitors. Nevertheless, she wanted to find a way to merge her two passions: music and agriculture.
Alford sits on stage during national convention.
How Did She Find Out?
Scrolling through social media posts about past national FFA conventions, Alford noticed pictures of choir performances. This made her wonder, “If FFA had a choir, wouldn’t they have a band, too?” That question led her to research the opportunity, and she soon found the application.
Determined to give it her all, she spent hours perfecting her audition. “The goal is to combine your musicality with a personal touch to make it real,” she said. “Become one with the piece.”
After nearly 15 takes, she told herself to “stop overthinking.” Finally embracing her hard work, Alford submitted the best version of her performance.
Was It Worth It?
Once Alford stepped out of her shell, she realized she wasn’t alone in her fears. Many of her fellow musicians had experienced the same nervousness. She started making friends, exchanging social media handles and even received a National FFA Band pin to wear proudly on her FFA jacket.
When she stepped onto the stage for the first time, she was “ecstatic” about the production. “As someone with a technical background, it all brought back so many memories; even the fog machine reminded me of home,” she said. What truly moved her, however, was the feeling of unity. “Every time I played my clarinet, I could tell everyone had each other in mind,” she added.
Beyond performing, Alford also made lasting friendships. She bonded with her Oregon FFA roommate, who shared a similar family dynamic and had raised a turkey to show locally, just like her. Meeting online friends in person for the first time was also a special moment for Alford.
Although keeping up with schoolwork required long, late-night independent study sessions from 1 a.m. to 3 a.m., Alford has no regrets. She says the experience was worth every moment.
Meet the clarinet section of the 2024 National FFA Band.
Advice for Future Applicants
Submitting a video audition can be intimidating, but Alford believes the experience is well worth it. She encourages members to go into the process knowing they have nothing to lose. “At the end of the day, rejection is good because it teaches you things,” she said.
She also encourages future applicants to welcome constructive criticism because “there is always room to grow.” Her biggest piece of wisdom? “Stop letting the fog disrupt the air.”
Alford plans to reapply next year, as members and alums can participate in the National FFA Band until the end of their first year in college. With her newfound confidence and friendships, she looks forward to making even more memories in FFA.
