Hard work hits louder than the drums.
Bullitt East’s Marching Band continues to push itself for the new season.
A successful Marching Band season means planning and a strong staff. Many key players have stepped forward to ensure everything runs smoothly and the group works together as a family. However, it’s not always easy, everyone must push themselves above and beyond to flourish in Band.
“You start with the show design. If you don’t have a show a good show design, you don’t have a good season,” Chase Walton, a Senior flute player, said.
For this year to be even greater than the last, Bullitt East’s Marching Band needs to have a show design that grabs the attention of the audience, something Walton says they will be putting a lot of care and thought into. Their team spans across a wide variety of age groups, spanning from middle school all the way up to seniors. So, The Band will need people who can work well with a diverse group, which Walton is helping to achieve. “I want to be the best person that I can be for my section mates to help them get better.”
Another factor that will be taken into consideration this year is team spirit. To keep the work ethic high, everyone will need to have a positive attitude. “So I make sure that, you know, one of our main goals can make sure everyone is always having fun and everyone’s enjoying their stay. So I’m kind of like really focusing on being laid back, making sure everyone feels at home, so that, you know, everyone feels that it’s a safe environment for everyone, and everyone actually enjoys being there. It’s awesome.” Walton Said.
None of this can be, or has been accomplished, without the help of leaders. “there’s two individuals that are really upholding to that sort of legacy and expectation right now, the Hannah Kennington and Bella France,” Walton Said.
Kennington and France, along with many others, consistently work hard to be role models for the rest of the group. They’re tough, but without strict discipline, Marching Band would suffer greatly. The goal of these guides is to inspire others to put their best work in, as well as to teach the younger players how to be future leaders. Luckily, most of the Band have known each other for a very long time, so those who step up have connections that allow them to see what everyone should be putting forward. “I think of them as all one big family, because for the most part, we’ve all known each other, or will know each other for years to come after this, because we’re very tightly connected. We all just remind ourselves that we’re all there for the same purpose and the same goal. And you know, it makes us keep getting better, brings us even closer together.” Walton said.
Overall, all current and future Marching Band members must know that the only way to achieve good results is through hard work. A lazy team with lazy leaders will never win competitions or be able to show pride. “You’re going to have to want to strive. You gotta want it. And if you don’t really, really want it, then you’re probably not going to really get it.” Walton said.
“A quote that Mr. Novak told me that I like to live by a lot of the times is if you’re ever given the opportunity to do something, you have no reason to not try it,” Walton said.
So far, it doesn’t seem Bullitt East will have to worry about its Marching Band falling behind. The team shows a high level of commitment, meaning everyone will have a lot to look forward to from them.
