Sophomore alto saxophonist Dallas Pearson admits the stiff marching band uniforms aren’t her favorite part of performing on Friday nights. Still, she says band has become a much-needed outlet for stress, turning long practices into something more meaningful.
How long have you been a part of the marching band?
I’ve been a part of marching band since the beginning of freshman year, but I’ve been in
band since sixth grade.
What instrument do you play, and how did you choose it?
I play alto saxophone. I chose it because I liked the jazzy, fun factor of it, something
different that I couldn’t just get at school.
How has your experience in marching band changed since freshman year?
This year, I’m an upperclassman, so people follow me a bit more. But I’m also really short
compared to a lot of people in band, so I just kind of follow along and go with the flow.
Can you describe what a typical marching band rehearsal looks like?
A typical rehearsal starts with us getting into parade block and marching. Then we practice the halftime and pregame shows. For pregame, we form the “NW” for Northwest. For halftime, the sophomores, juniors, and seniors do a full show in the back while the freshmen play music up front to get the crowd focused.
What’s your favorite memory from marching band so far?
My favorite memory is when we get into our sections, circle up, and yell our band chant. For
saxophones, we put our instruments down in a circle and start calling out “Woods, Woods, Woods” back and forth. At the end, all the sections yell to see who’s the loudest.
Marching band can be demanding. How do you balance your time between that and other school activities?
It is demanding, we have to get here early and put in a lot of hours. But I balance it well by
getting my homework done during advocacy, focusing on my work, and making sure I take the classes I need for credits. That way, I can still keep up with clubs and schoolwork.
How did you get into the flow of teamwork in marching band?
Dallas Pearson: “Freshman year, I just listened to the upperclassmen. If you don’t, you get lost. This year was easier since I had already done it once, so I just kept going with the flow.
What’s your favorite show or performance piece, and what about it resonates with you?
That’s a hard one. I really like the songs we’re doing this year, Confident and Stronger,
because a lot of people know them and they’re more fun than the middle school stuff. Back then, my favorite was Cruella de Vil, that was so fun to play.
How do you prepare for a big performance?
Dallas Pearson: “Honestly, preparing is one of my least favorite parts. I don’t mind the playing, it’s the outfits. Our marching uniforms are stuffy and uncomfortable, and even the smallest size doesn’t fit me. For concert band we have to wear all black, which is also kind of a pain.”
Have you developed friendships through band? How have those relationships impacted your experience?
Yeah. My section leader, Abel, has been a friend since sixth grade and really got me into
band. A lot of the sophomores and juniors in my section are also good friends now.
What do you think makes a successful marching band member?
Anyone who wants to join can do it if they pick an instrument, stick with it, and really enjoy
it. You have to love it, because it’s a lot of work, early mornings, late practices, uniforms, concerts,
uncomfortable shoes. You’ll want to hit someone at times, but if you enjoy it, it’s worth it.
Do you have any goals for band this year?
My main goal is to stay committed and maybe get a higher chair placement. Last year I was
fourth chair out of five, so I’d like to improve.
How does participating in band impact your overall high school experience?
It gives me an outlet. I can play loud, practice, and do what I want, instead of being stuck
bored like people who don’t join clubs.
What advice would you give incoming freshmen considering joining band?
Buckle down, do your work in class, and enjoy band. If you don’t enjoy it, you won’t enjoy
high school clubs either. Have fun with it, or you’re not going to like it.
Do you think you’ll continue with music after high school?
I do. It might just stay a hobby, or I could study music in college. Either way, I love my
instrument and want to keep playing.
