Picture this. You’re at a Trojans football game, Friday night lights season is back, the sun is setting over the field as you stand in the student section. Seniors and cheerleaders are at the front, hyping everyone up with chants and cheers. The soundtrack for this unmatched atmosphere?
The Wayzata Marching Machine.
They’re always there, playing pep tunes and filling the space between plays, but have you ever asked yourself what kind of preparation goes into marching band?
Rank lieutenants, the leaders of smaller groups within the marching band applied for their positions in late May of the last school year. Then, they had a 2-day leadership camp during the summer where they worked with professionals to develop their leadership and marching skills. They also attended one last training day soon before practices for marching band started in mid-August.
Drum majors, the 3 students you will see conducting the band through their music, have worked tirelessly to learn how to conduct and keep the band together. It is a high honor in the marching band and the 3 students who fill the spots this season — Brady Justeen, Sofia Kallebo, and Cassidy Nabedrick — are hardworking, talented, and highly committed to ensure that the band runs smoothly.
The majority of the marching band without leadership positions began a 4-day training camp near the end of August to learn the basics of marching band (which is deceivingly harder than it looks) and to prepare for their appearance at JJ Hill Days and the first football game of the season. Those who attended worked 3 hours a day at learning the techniques of marching, gaining familiarity with their music, and making new friendships. They also had a brief meet-up with cheerleaders to figure out the logistics of how the two groups work together throughout football games.
The drumline, consisting of all the percussion instruments, began working on their skills far earlier in June, just a week or so after school ended. They attended both the practices for the larger band and their own practices held a few hours before. Due to the nature of their instruments, all music played by the drumline during the marching band’s pregame performance must be memorized before the first game of the season. This hardworking group of students worked over hours and hours of practice to become a solid ensemble that truly brings the energy during games.
So, next time you hear the band playing the school song or the national anthem, take a second to acknowledge the effort and commitment that dozens of students have made to bring music to the Wayzata Football games this season.
Extra photos of the Wayzata marching band: