By: Jocelyn Nowak
Whether you know them from pep rallies or Friday night football games, the marching band is well known in the fall season for providing the music to many events. What you may not know is what happens beyond the music. The band consists of more than just instruments and notes; they are a group of hardworking students who are committed to their band family. Here’s an inside look at everything the band does, whether on or off the field.
Many people don’t realize the time commitment it takes to be a part of the marching band. The band starts practice in late July and continues practicing for hours nearly every day through the month of August. While it is very time-consuming for the students, band director Melanie Jackson also spends countless hours working not only with the marching band, but with all bands from grades 5–12. Jackson is truly committed to the work she does with her students. When asked what she hopes to bring to the SHS band, she said, “a passion for making music at a high level of literacy.” As a band student, you are taught to accept nothing less than personal excellence. To achieve this, the students put in a lot of hard work and effort, and Jackson leads them through this while cheering them on from the sidelines. Her favorite thing to see during marching season is the “growth from sightreading and blocking” to “a show that is fun for the students and audience.”
Another thing many people don’t know about the band is that they have a band council. The president this year is Aubree Varga. As president, she greets the other bands and introduces the show to them. She also handles small conflicts within the band to keep things running smoothly. She hopes that, through this position, she can create a comfortable space in the band where people can look to her for advice and receive the help they need. Her favorite part of being in the marching band is “everyone coming together on Friday nights to produce great music.” She loves the way the band connects as they perform under the lights together.
Also on the band council is freshman representative Alex Garro. He is honored to have been picked to represent the band and is thankful his classmates chose him. His favorite part of being in the marching band is playing his instrument during the halftime show. Both Varga and Garro see the band as one big family. They have formed some of their strongest friendships through band. Everyone there shares similar passions, and through that, there is a positive and comfortable environment. The band has each other’s backs no matter what, and they have worked hard to make the band a place where everyone feels welcome and accepted.
The marching band is far more than just music during football games. It’s a place where students build character, leadership, and lifelong friendships. Through early morning practices, long rehearsals, and unforgettable performances, the band becomes a second family for its members. Behind every halftime show is a story of dedication, teamwork, and heart; proving that marching band is truly more than just music.
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