With the football season winding down, so does the marching season. Over the course of the season, the band performed at every single home game, each performance impressing everyone that observed it.
“I think the marching band season went remarkably well,” Isla Nuttall, junior, said.
“[I liked marching band because] I got 23 new people to be my friend this year,” Camryn Plohr, freshman, said. She further explained that meeting new people and making new friends was really enjoyable, since she struggled to do so in the past.
Drum Major Xavion Haynes said that he is “proud of the show” that the Marching Mustangs put on over the course of the football season. He explained that he saw the band members do well.
Nuttall said that her favorite part of marching was learning how to do the marching and playing during the football games.
Drum Major Stella Buisson said that her favorite part of marching season was both the community it fosters and performing in football games. “It made me the person I am today.”
A plethora of band members stated similar responses to Buisson. They all said that either they liked the marching band because of the ability to play for the football games or because of the amount of friends and connections they form.
“Even now [in my senior year], I’m meeting new people,” Drum Major Michelle Frane said, further developing the idea of community.
Participating in the marching band is a true commitment. Marching band looks different depending on the day. On game days, band members go practice during their allotted practice time during their lunch periods. Later, they go to suit up into their uniforms then proceed to practice one last time. Once they finish their practice, they move on to their pre-game. From there, they perform the national anthem, school fight song, and occasionally play stand tunes all throughout the game.
Wednesdays look different, too. The day proceeds like normal, with normal practices and the likes. From 6:30 to 9 p.m., they go to the football field to practice their performances, such as stand tunes and the halftime show. They also learn new concepts and touch on parts that could be improved upon.
Some people may not know what a drum major is. Luckily, Haynes, Frane, and Buisson all gave an aspect of what being a drum major is.
“A drum major is a representative of the band and the directors,” Frane said. She further explains that they act both like leaders and as a friend to the band members.
Haynes added that if there are any social issues, fights, or disagreements among the band, they are the ones who resolve the issue at hand.
Buisson said that they also arrange fun activities, such as volleyball and ultimate frisbee, for the band to do. That way, they build camaraderie and get to know each other.
The drum majors and Nuttall wanted to give advice for people who will be joining marching band.
“Give it a chance. Believe in yourself,” Buisson said.
“Stop talking and focus,” Nuttall said, explaining that as long as you focus and do what you need to do, you’ll succeed in the band.
“Give it a year,” Frane said. She further explained that in order to properly gauge if someone actually likes or dislikes marching, they should try it for a year. If they do end up enjoying it, they should join the marching band again. If not, they do not rejoin the next year.
“Know when to focus and know when to have fun,” Haynes said, explaining that if you balance fun and work, the season will be one that is very enjoyable and very fun.
As the Marching Mustangs pack away their uniforms for the season, many are already looking ahead to next year. With all the teambuilding, camaraderie, hard work, and musical talent, this year’s friendships and musical growth will serve as the foundation for another season of excellent performances.
