Marching band students must commit long hours to rehearsals and early morning practices. But the time commitment may or may not be beneficial for the band students’ success.
Many students agree that marching band is one of the most time-consuming activities in high school. Practices occur nearly every single day, and they are intense and educational. But is the time commitment beneficial for the band’s success?
“I started band in sixth grade, but then once I joined marching band, it helped me with overall life, like being committed to things with time management and getting better with my instrument, because I play every day,” senior baritone saxophone player Lukas Portillo said. “I practice outside of school by myself, usually four hours a week, and I would like to join a higher level, like the Greater North Dallas Orchestra.”
The students in the band have adjusted to the new challenges that they have faced since they joined the band. Some said they even want to do more and apply their skills to become even better at their instruments. Many freshmen who have started marching band this year have a much different experience than they did in middle school.
“I’m still currently learning, but I’ve improved so far during this year in being more on top of my assignments and doing them right when they’re assigned and not procrastinating as much compared to how I was before,” freshman tenor saxophone player Mayra Garcia said. “But I’m doing better at band, and it really has been helping with life skills necessary in the future.”
Band directors recognize the hard work and dedication students put into preparing the music for shows and competitions.
“Having them in practice is so crucial to make a good product for competing in Area where the kids are doing such a great job coming to the rehearsals and trying their best,” band director Jack Zellar said.
Looking at the band on a more personal level, it is impactful to see individuals’ journeys that brought them to the band. This shows that every fine art has a story, and every story should be heard.
“I joined marching band [and] it helped me with overall life, like being committed to things with time management and getting better with my instrument because I play every day,” Portillo said.
