Friday nights, under the lights, the stadium is filled with the exciting sounds of the marching band played throughout the game and during their halftime show. For spectators, this marks an impressive and entertaining segment during the game, but behind the scenes, The Marching Bees are working tirelessly to perfect and master these shows. This is an inside look into how these students prepare for a seemingly simple event that amounts to hours of hard work and dedication.
The marching band has participated in a variety of events so far this year from band camp in the summer, to playing at Youngstown State University. On September 6, The Marching Bees took a trip down to Youngstown State University to play at a game that the college had against Robert Morris. The Bees got to play with the Youngstown State Band and experience what playing in college would look like, which was significant because some of the Marching Bees are interested in playing collegiately.
From the need of a gym credit to the promise of fun and friends, each marching band member discussed different experiences and people in their lives that inspired them to become a part of this exciting group.
Annaliese Jacak, a senior tenor sax player says, “My friends inspired me to join the marching band. They thought it would be a great fit for me. I’m really involved in music and I love music and I totally agree with them [my friends].”
Muyiwa Bolaji, a senior field commander, expresses how a popular kids cartoon inspired him to join a marching band. “There is this episode in Spongebob called Band Geeks where basically all the characters in the show have to join a marching band and they play at a halftime show and it really inspired me to do marching band,” he says.
For viewers of the game, the hard work done by The Marching Bees can sometimes be overshadowed by the exciting atmosphere, but these Bees are putting in hours and hours of work each week in order to practice their instruments and their marching. Practices can be hectic and confusing, especially with so many kids on the field at a time all trying to maneuver themselves almost perfectly in sync.
According to Cami Reed, a sophomore third flute player, rehearsals are Mondays after school for three hours on the field and the members individually play for about twenty minutes a day outside of rehearsals. Her and other members of the band expressed how exhausting Monday practices are, especially after a long six hour day of school. On top of Monday practices, the band also goes in during the summer for a week of nine to ten hours of playing everyday.
Not only are practices sometimes long and grueling, but the band members have to worry about balancing their activity with school and other activities. It can be hard to show up to a Monday practice and be ready to give full effort for three to four hours after a long, draining school day.
Anna Zumwalt, a senior flute section leader, explains how balancing marching band is difficult for her because she is also a member of the cross country team.
Bolaji adds, “The hardest part[of marching band] is showing up with your best effort, especially when you’ve been tired from other things in life and other activities that you’re involved in. When you bring that tired and exhausted mentality with you it kind of carries over with your playing and marching.”
Although it is challenging, The Marching Bees possess a love for the activity that drives them to show up and give their best effort every week. It’s the amazing friends, bus rides home after games, positivity of the band, new experiences, fun activities, and the memories made along the way that have greatly contributed to the exciting atmosphere created by the band every Friday night.
Michael Marciniak, a freshman baritone player, says that his favorite part of marching band is going to the games every Friday.
Alexander Nguyen, a sophomore trombone player, states, “My favorite part is generally after the third quarter because that’s when we get to do Long Train and that’s a fun song to play.”
A common theme amongst these band members was their shared love for Long Train, a song filled with jumping, spinning, and loads of energy.
Morgynn Williams, also a freshman who is part of the drumline, agrees that Long Train is her favorite song. She explains that it is exciting and gets the band fired up.
Similarly, Marciniak says, “I like to play the song, Long Train, because I can play as loud as I want.”
According to Nguyen, his section jumps, spins, and dances during the song, providing both an entertaining piece for the crowd and the performers themselves.
Through all of the good and bad times, The Marching Bees have been taught valuable lessons that can be applied to school and life that will continue to benefit them even if they decide not to continue playing through college and the rest of their lives.
Although he is just a freshman, Jack Griffin, a sousaphone player, says that even though the roles of each player may seem small they are all important and lead to the bigger picture of the show.
Reed says she learned that “sometimes close enough is better than actually perfect.”
With many years of experience under his belt, Bolaji explains the importance of repetition to mastering a skill or a new show. He says that it can be annoying, but without repeated practice a show will never look as perfect and effortless as it does every Friday night.
The result of all the hard work that is done behind the scenes is a spectacular show that motivates the crowds and the football team at each game. Without their persistent efforts towards perfection and the dedication that each member possesses, the band would not be as successful as it is today. Mr. Cocchiola, the marching band director, says, “The best thing about this band is the way everyone takes accountability to make it the best version of itself. When we need to correct music or drill, the students respond with focus and maturity.” The Marching Bees will continue to inspire and improve as they head to Disney in November to perform in the Magic Day Parade. Lastly, make sure to show these talented performers some extra appreciation and support for their hard work at the next football game!
