I Want to Ask Out a Girl I Like

There is a girl in my band class, that I got to know really well last school year. During the school year we got to become really good friends if not best friends. During second semester we ate lunch together. As we became better friends I developed feelings for her. As the end of the school year ended I kept trying to tell her how I felt, but was always too nervous, and by the time I settled my nerves, we were already at her class. I kept dropping hints and I am pretty sure she likes me, but idk. The closest I got to telling her was asking for a hug. She was a little surprised when I asked and had to get to class, however, on the way to 4th period she gave me a hug, it was a kind awkward sideways hug, but it felt good.

I never actually got the chance to tell her how I feel. Also, I never got a way to contact her over the summer. We have not talked or seen each other all summer. Now that the new school year is approaching, I am beginning to worry about what to do. I want to stay good friends, and make sure we are still really close, but I also want her to know how I feel and to know how she feels.

Does anybody have any advice? It would be appreciated. Feel free to message me or comment here. :)