For some, the realms of physical activity and the musical arts have remained fairly separate. For members of the marching band, however, the two are deeply linked, challenging them to master both components.
The latest season of marching band has proved no less challenging than the last, according to senior Alana Hassett, the drumline captain.
“We’ve been focusing a lot on improving as a whole because we’re starting to enter a lot of harder competitions,” Hassett said. “We’ve moved up a division in our size this year and we’ve also moved up in difficulty.”
This added difficulty has affected the nature of how the marching band prepares for competitions and performances.
“We’re kind of trying to change the way we practice so that we make our intensity match that so that we get to these competitions and we’re ready,” Hassett said.
This season, the band had practices every day Monday through Thursday with performances at football games on Fridays. Competitions were held on several Saturdays throughout the season.
“I think every year we increase in intensity just because we’re getting more kids and we kind of have to,” Hassett said.
However, those that take on the responsibility are left satisfied with what they have accomplished.
“I think just like any other activity, it’s something that you’re putting so much time and effort into that you get to see all that effort turn into something tangible,” Hasset said. “You get to see it turn into a trophy, you get to see it turn into something that you can be proud of.”
Freshman alto saxophonist Ella Tynch expressed similar sentiments.
“Besides the tradition, it’s something really fun and it’s like a social thing as well and it’s a great community,” Tynch said. “Also with the pep rallies and stuff, it just makes everything more fun.”
Marching band has also served as a way for those new to the community to integrate themselves.
“I remember as an incoming freshman, the coolest thing was to start school and to know how to get around the school already,” Hassett said. “Also, to already have a set of friends. I think the best set of friends I’ve made was from band camp, which was the summer before freshman year. That has stayed with me throughout all four years so far and all four seasons of marching band, which is really cool.”
Tynch had a similar sentiments about band camp.
“I got to know like a hundred people before I even started,” Tynch said. “I made really great friends through this and it’s just been really fun.”
When asked whether those who are unsure about joining marching band should join next season, Tynch encouraged them to do so.
“I was unsure and band camp was difficult, but you make a lot of friends, you improve your musicianship, you improve your sightreading,” Tynch said. “It’s just a really good experience and I would encourage anyone to do it.”