From an outside perspective the marching band seems like just a halftime performance and people playing instruments. In reality, band takes dedication, long hours, and strong relationships.
It also takes people who are willing to step up into a leadership position and perform under pressure like drum majors Abbey Sparks and Caitlynn McDuffard, and lead color guard Jay Dailey.
“A drum major is a person who leads the band,” Sparks said. “We conduct the show, help direct the ensemble and we set the standards of our expectations.”
Leadership looks a little different in the color guard. However, it is just as important as the role Sparks and McDuffard hold.
“I got this leadership role by maturing myself,” Dailey said. “Also learning how to work with people you may not agree with.”
Joining the band and color guard is a great way to meet new people and be more involved with the school.
“My first year was freshman year, I heard about it in eighth grade when we had some people come to the school and talk about the band,” McDuffard said. “It just seemed really fun.”
It is so much bigger than just the music, it’s about lifelong friendships and the people who become family.
“My favorite part of being in the band is my friends,” McDuffard said. “I’ve made very great friends through the program and have met my best friend.”
Unlike most sports, the band and color guard have around 80 people involved. This gives more opportunity to meet amazing people; however it can also be a challenge.
“The most challenging part is dealing with a big group,” Dailey said. “I love everyone and making new friends, however being with all the younger people is really hard.”
While dealing with the ups and downs may be hard, the hard work reflects outside of the band into everyday life.
“Being a drum major is definitely a big responsibility,” McDuffard said. “You have to be really hard working and willing to do things that other people may struggle with. It’s a big step up.”
This community has left a lasting impact on everyone involved. All three leadership roles are occupied by seniors and it is hard to say goodbye to something so special.
“I’ll miss my friends and all the memories I’ve made,” Dailey said. “And being able to perform with these people.”
GRC, Mr. and Mrs. Cook, and everyone involved invest so much into the band and color guard program and it truly shows.
“When I graduate I’m going to miss playing for GRC,” Sparks said. “This school has given me so many opportunities, and those opportunities have gotten me into college and are going to shape the rest of my life as I’m going on to be playing for a different school.”
Being involved in the band at such a young age and growing up in it is something that sticks with you.
“I’ll just miss all the people,” said McDuffard. “They’re just really great people and it is going to be really sad leaving them.”
