Marching band has an 8 minute show that they play for the season. It takes a lot of strength not only mentally, but physically. They have to memorize their music, placement, the position of their arms, and show. They make sure they show the best they can do. By the end of it they compete against the rest of the high schools.
When creating their routine, they have certain placements on the field where they need to be and where they go next. They spend hours at a time working on the show to make it the best they can get it. They practice their music and make sure they move to a tempo. This helps them know where they are in the field and in the song.
There is also a drum major. This is a student that stands at the podium and gets to conduct the show. This year’s drum major is Katrina Gibby, (Senior). They not only take hours practicing on the field together, but also at home with their sheet music to memorize their songs.
Britlee Gurthrie (a junior, trumpet) said “ Marching Band is a mental activity that involves thought through moments and movements. If you’re not thinking about everything you’re gonna do next, you will most likely make a mistake.”
Many of the members joined the band because of friends or family members, and now they love being there. Some use it as an escape from reality and other times for fun
Marching band is a family in a way. They all meet at the beginning of the summer and work together for hours in and out of school to prepare for their performances.
Katrina Gibby stated “Marching band is more than just something you do, Marching band truly is my family.”
They get to know each other better by working together and grow from each performance.
As Britlee Gurthrie said, “The late nights where we’re all exhausted, show people’s true colors and how much they will work for the activity and people they love.”
Marching Bands even had some awesome traditions they do as Ryken Lee (A Junior, Center marimba) said, “Front Ensemble gets in a circle and puts their hands in and screams ‘Sacagawea’.” This is a tradition many of the members look on fondly.
In all the excitement, stress, and long hours the end of the season comes. “Something I’ll miss the most would have to be the excitement of performing,” Ryken Lee stated.
Katrina Gibby said, “The connections and friends I have made throughout my years in Marching Band are incomparable to anything else. We are each other’s support system and everyone is part of the whole and everyone has a place and belongs. It truly is like nothing else.”
If Marching Band sounds like something for you, remember that you do not need any experience to join the group. However, an important requirement is you do have to participate in a band class while being in the Marching Band. This spring, be sure to look out for information about joining the group on School TVs, in the band hall, and throughout our school.
