“A Big Family”: Why You Should Join the WHS Marching Band

Andy Church and Aidan Surber on the field during a football game. 

Photo Credits: Charlie Stumb, Watauga High School Yearbook.

Andrew Larsen, Staff Writer for The Powderhorn

Watauga’s football team has seen much success in its season this year, but following right along with them were unsung members of our community: the marching band. Playing a symphony of instruments, the marching band provides an exciting backdrop to the football games. Additionally, some band members play at their own dedicated concerts after the football season ends, highlighting their skills even further through concert or jazz band. Marching band is offered at Watauga at four levels, with your responsibilities as a member growing in the higher levels. While in class, members practice for concerts and football games, but it also serves as a time when you can grow closer with your bandmates. 

Outside the class, members still have responsibilities. Many members, even after the class has ended, continue to perform in band concerts throughout the year, and continue to practice their instruments to stay in shape for the next season. Members spoke to the difficulty of the class and the responsibilities that come with it.

“It’s definitely a trickier class,” said Aidan Surber, junior, “because outside of school we have to practice stuff. We also have to be a good role model; we can’t be somewhere else and get in trouble because we wear uniforms with the Watauga symbol. We’re kind of an image.” 

The environment of the marching band not only offers a place to learn your instrument and build your musical skills, but it also offers a great social scene. Lee White, a junior at Watauga High School and one of the percussion sectional leaders, spoke about how welcoming the group is.

“Everybody in band is really friendly,” said White, “and they’re always glad to talk to people. It’s a good community. Everybody in the band is very dedicated to their instrument, they want to be there, and they want to make band itself a friendly environment for everybody involved.”

Members of the marching band come from all walks of life, making for a diverse group where anyone can find friends. Surber also frequently highlighted the kind community and the bonds that you form among your bandmates.

“Freshman year, I was very nervous and scared to do anything, and I didn’t really know any people,” said Surber. “I think joining marching band definitely gets you a big group of people that appreciate you, no matter who you are. It’s almost like a big family.”

The welcoming environment also helps new members adjust to performing in front of large crowds, which is key.. While many people fear performing, the group can make the experience easier to adjust to. Surber discussed his experiences as a freshman coming into the program.

“The first time is a little scary,” said Surber. “For me, I don’t like performing in front of people at all, but for some reason, I don’t really have that fear in concerts and football games. I think playing the music takes your mind off the fact that you’re playing in front of people. After the first two times, you start getting used to it, and it just feels natural.”

Joining the marching band may be worrying for some new students, as you have to simultaneously march and play an instrument. Students may also lack significant musical experience, potentially creating difficulty. White mentioned the importance of having some individual knowledge prior to joining the program. 

“Depending on what instrument you play, you’re going to have to be able to read sheet music for that instrument, or at least know the basics of it,” said White. “There isn’t really time in class to teach everybody individually, so you need to learn that on your own.”

The class is a good way to learn these things, as it somewhat forces you to learn quickly. In contrast to White’s perspective, Surber said that he knew nothing before joining the program and has thrived.

“A lot of people are scared to join it, not knowing anything,” said Surber, “but I got into marching band not knowing anything at all. I’ve learned lots of stuff since I’ve been in that class. If you don’t want something that’s way too tricky, I would say join percussion, because it’s usually easier on the scale, and if you don’t enjoy something, you can move to different instruments.” 

Watauga’s marching band is smaller than others, meaning they appreciate and are eager to welcome new members. While intimidating to some, it’s a great experience for new and old musicians, and is a great way to make friends with a supportive, welcoming community while also supporting your school. White encouraged people to sign up for the program, once again highlighting these benefits.

“I think band is a really great experience,” said White, “When you get past the hard parts, you find yourself in this community of people who are really friendly to you, and you have a fun class to do at the end of the day. When I was a freshman, I didn’t really know that many people, and the fact that the band was so welcoming really meant something to me.”