What were the season highlights?
Personally, having a baby was probably the highlight of the year, that was a life changing event. As far as the marching season goes having so many freshmen in the group I think was a really good experience for myself and everyone.
What are the easiest parts of being the marching band director?
Moments like this where I get to sit down and talk to students individually. I try to keep an open door policy and students will just drop by and talk and we have chances to chat and I can help out individuals.
What are the most difficult of being the marching band director?
Trying to find an appropriate balance that is workable for the students. I’m very conscious of student time, student commitments so I do my best every year to find an appropriate balance so that they won’t get too overwhelmed but we still have performance obligations.
What would you add/take away from the band repertoire?
I guess having a full complement of electronics would make us a bit more current. As far as current trends go, we’re a little behind the game. More visual, more guard and props, that sort of thing would help create more of a spectacle.
Can you think of any one thing that set this season apart?
The marching competition we hosted had 29 bands which is a record since I’ve been here. I think its a record, not the most we’ve ever had, but the most we’ve had in awhile. As far as student perspective and what we do on the field, the music I picked was hard and I wasn’t sure if a group of 60 freshman would be able to put that together.
Kasey Sharp: Color Guard (the flags), freshman
What was the hardest part of band camp?
Well I think it was the gosh darn sun. I became crispier than colonel sanders chicken.
Do you consider marching band a sport?
Its a sport, it’s so hard! Anybody that says marching band isn’t a sport has never been in marching band.
What was the performance highlight?
Me dressing up like a beaver. And then dancing.
If you could improve one thing about band what would it be?
More time for food.
Zephan O’Connor: Trumpet, freshman
Season highlights?
Having a good time at Silver Dollar City.
What was hardest part of band camp?
The first day we were on the field because my feet hurt.
What was the most fun?
The ending was pretty cool because at the end it was like hey we did it and everyone was super chill.
If you could describe your experience in what sentence what would you say?
Jesus Christ my legs hurt so much but it feels rewarding I guess?
