The sound of cymbals and the blare of trumpets rang across the blacktop as SHSs marching band pushes through another long, tiring day of rehearsal. The band is putting in all of this work for competition season this year with their new show: “Ashes of the West”.
To capture the western theme, students have props like barrels, windmills and a backdrop of an old frontier town and will eventually have cowboy-themed jackets and hats
Students began rehearsing months before the start of school, spending long summer days practicing music drills and formations in the hot weather.
The hot sun wasn’t the only thing they had to overcome. They had plenty of challenges along the way.
“Honestly, we’re out there for a while practicing drills in the heat,” freshman Elijah Beckham said. “It’s fun being out there learning the performance, but once you have to do a lot of runs, it kind of starts sucking because you’re marching for three hours.”
These drills push students physically and mentally.
Even with long hours of practice, band members say that the effort pays off once they step onto the field with their instruments.
When the new show’s name and theme was introduced, some of the students weren’t enthusiastic about it because the music was unfamiliar to them. But after spending some time practicing, it all became more likeable for all of the students.
Yet, even with days of practice, rehearsals can still be challenging. Freshman Olivia Elizondo says a key part of this hardship is trying to lock in.
“The toughest part is just getting the right mindset so that I won’t mess up,” Elizondo said.
She gets into the right mindset by staying focused and blocking out distractions.
For some students, confidence is the toughest obstacle.
Beckham says confidence was also his biggest hurdle. Beckham said finding his footing as a musician last year was especially difficult, and the pressure of rehearsals only added to his struggles.
“I wasn’t too confident and I kept messing up, but after that, it got better,” Beckham said.
Band Director Jeff Maupin says that these performances are valuable. Not only because of the event itself, but for what students gain from the experience.
The band participates in local invitationals, Bands of America (BOA), and ISSMA tournaments throughout Indiana. These events are usually held at high school stadiums or at Lucas Oil Stadium. Their shows are judged on music, visuals and effects.
“It isn’t just about winning,” Maupin said. “I hope it’s something the kids will be proud of, something they’ll want to share with others.”
Students often face similar struggles during the long hours of practice. Repetition can be draining, but over time, it makes the band stronger.
Even with the difficulties that the band faces during rehearsals, Southport’s marching band is focused on making the most of its new performance all while having fun and bonding.
“The kids can always do better than they think,” Maupin said. “ When it comes to helping them, it’s about motivating them and making them enjoy band.”
