The Oxford High School Band’s new up-and-coming year is kicking off, and Oxford Band members are eager to jump into the new school year. The band members will share their goals for the new school year and how they plan to get there.
Chase Smith, a drummer in the OHS band, spoke of what he and the band were expecting to accomplish this year.
“In the concert band, we hope to get several “1” ratings (the best) from the judges at the competition,” Smith said.
For Chase and the band to achieve the highest rating from the judges, the band needs to create a good and relevant practice schedule.
“Practices are structured through slowly learning small portions of the show at a time, and eventually putting them all together,” Andrew Colby, a freshman in the marching band said. “During band camp, we spend most of our time learning the music and working in sections to improve our skills.”
After a schedule has been set in place, members of the band are expected to follow through with the schedule and always be at peak performance.
“Band is a very mental and physical activity so you have to be engaged for all of rehearsal,” Dylan Carlisle, a drummer in the band said. “Everyone is expected to practice at home so they don’t fall behind.”
The band has everything planned, scheduled, and all their ideas are in place. They are ready for what they need to succeed at their upcoming meets and events. Moving forward, the band will be competing in a multitude of events, such as marching, and other pieces.
“The Crossroads Classic in Corinth, MS, The Northeast Marching Band Championship in Booneville, MS. MHSAA State Marching Festival, Mississippi Invitational Marching Classic in Tupelo,” Carlisle said.
The band will be playing several pieces at these events. The band will also be selecting songs that fit well, and which songs make them stand out.
“We will be playing the “New Rock Symphony,” which consists of music from “New World Symphony,” Colby said. “Yesterday, from the Beatles, and music from the band Aerosmith.”
Additionally, Smith includes which upcoming songs and pieces the band will be playing, and why they hold significance to the band.
“The band is currently (and I believe will continue) playing long-form multi-part pieces,” Smith said. “I believe this matters because it hones our disciplines due to us having to memorize it.”
A showcase of the band’s music and design provides the roles of the team members and the band’s structure system.
“The band’s music can vary drastically, however, as far as structure goes, we have a council with our president,” Smith said. “There are other council members which I cannot recall at this point, however, seniors and juniors seem to take on unofficial leadership positions.”
