As the last song from their performance came to an end, members of the marching band stood in their positions one last time this season. But for seniors this wasn’t just the end of the season but the end of years of practicing under the hot summer sun, performing under friday night lights, and creating lifelong memories. The symphony of dedication, success, and friendship was finally coming to an end.
“I will miss all of my friends in band and the fun trips we went on,” senior flute player Jennifer Atkinson said. “They made the hours of practice and performing worth it.”
This competition season marching band competed in many competitions including Birdville, Melissa, BOA, UIL, and Area. They ranked among the top middle of the bands while being the smallest band at nearly every competition and improved their placements from last year.
“Personally, I am proud of the results from my band,” senior drum major Addison Wood said. “While we didn’t make area finals, we had a great performance. That’s all you can ask for at the end of the day.”
To excel in competitions throughout the season, band members commit to rigorous rehearsals, inducing morning practices from 7 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. and two hours to evening rehearsals every Monday. Each member invests significant time and effort to ensure the production is well-prepared.
“Marching shows are around 8 minutes, all from memory, and performed while moving,” Wood said. “Practicing a show involves making small adjustments and repeating it until the show becomes muscle memory. This year’s show is more modern and aggressive compared to previous seasons. We incorporated “Hostage” by Billie Eilish as a pretty ballad to tell the story of Rapunzel. Other pieces were technically different to play to show the musicality and skill of the Lovejoy Band.”
Many seniors have been part of the band program for several years, with some even starting their journey in middle school. Their long-standing involvement has shaped not only their musical skills but also their sense of community.
“Band has given me a community to be a part of,” Atkinson said. “My favorite part of band is the friends I have in it. They make everything worth it.”
Marching band has taught students many lessons outside of just music that they can continue to use beyond high school. Many seniors share their experiences with underclassmen to help guide them.
“I’ll always remember the valuable lessons I’ve learned in band,” senior flute player Sophia Li. “We became more focused throughout the year. I’d advise future competitors to make every minute count in rehearsal. Band also taught me that every individual needs to be dedicated to the same goal to achieve success.”
While many students take the lessons they’ve learned from band and apply them to their lives after high school, some are so profoundly influenced by the program that they are inspired to pursue music in college and beyond.
“Band has influenced my passion for music,” Wood said. “I plan to go into music education and get a jazz studies degree. I love the art and I hope to make an impact on people like my directors have had on me. Band is where I found my people and closest friends. We are forced to be with each other for hours and days on end so we get close. We become a family.”
