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Marching to The Beat of Success

Writer's picture: Cloe TempleCloe Temple

There’s no doubt that the Bloomsburg High School Marching Band is having major success this year. Some of the seniors that have done band throughout their high school career have advanced to section leader positions while incoming freshmen are quickly learning what it takes to be part of something bigger than middle school band. The show the band and colorguard put on together is an experience to watch but unless you’re part of it you probably don’t know what goes on behind the scenes.


Once you transition from middle school to high school a lot of things change. For example, in middle school you have band every other day and it’s not as big of a deal. You have weekly lessons with the other people in your section and the band teacher but it’s more of an individual thing so that when the winter and spring concert comes around you can put everything together. High school band becomes marching band once you begin ninth grade. This means you perform at all of the football games, march on the field to a routine and compete at band competitions. It is a completely different experience and can definitely take time to adjust to. Most people that have been in band throughout their entire school career have an advantage and have usually become section leaders by their senior year. Everyone has put in the time and effort to continually improve although unless you’re in the band or get to watch the performance you wouldnt realize how hard everyone works. As said by Erika Traupman “ you have to really want it.”

The marching band is without a doubt having a very good season this year. Two people helping contribute to the band's success are Rose Leh and Erika Traupman. Rose is currently a senior and has been doing band since 5th grade. Not only does Rose play the trumpet but she also conducts the band. When asked how this has changed her obligations to the band she said that “ it’s given me so much more responsibility because I’m in charge of the entire band, not just myself”. She explained that it’s hard making sure that everyone is doing what they’re told and that the most important thing for her is to make sure that she is giving correct instructions to everyone. While Rose has been in band for years, this is Erika’s first year in marching band, she’s not letting that hold her back though. Before band she was in colorguard which she said made the “transition easier”. When asked what the most difficult part of marching was she said "playing my instrument while making sure I hit all the steps in the march”. She explained to me that band is a commitment and that you’re part of something big and that people are depending on you.

As band preforms, colorguard also steps out onto the field to perform their part of the show. At first I wasn’t sure what colorguard involved but after talking with Katie Studebaker, she gave me more information on what being a part of colorguard is really like. She started off by explaining that colorguard adds a visual performance to the band by acting and twirling flags/rifles. Along with that everyone has to learn choreography so it helps bring the story to life. Although a typical performance is only about 10 minutes a typical practice is three hours long. When asked what the most difficult part of colorguard was she said “learning and marching with routine” especially as this is only her first year doing it. She also made sure to mention the positive experiences and new friends she’s made since becoming part of the guard.

The goal of this article was to help more people understand what it takes to be part of the band and what goes on behind the scenes. For example, the countless hours practicing to make sure you know the choreography. As well as the responsibility and stress it takes to be a section leader. Everyone in the band is so talented, kind, and funny and they deserve so much credit for how hard they work. Moral of the story is that band is a lot harder than it looks, and instead of undermining their success, think about how much work goes into the performance.





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