When the Burroughs Symphonic Band takes the field at halftime during Friday night’s Homecoming game, months of hard work and practice will be on display.
As will be evident from their show, “Motown Hits,” band students will display their skill by marching on a field forward, backward, and sideways — essentially any direction — without even looking behind them. Muscle memory kicks in and the performers are able to repeat the choreography in front of a crowd for different events like field competitions and football games.
With adrenaline before every performance, Assistant Drum Major, junior Bekah Dickey makes sure that she is ready to go by ensuring that she has her dots, a list of the places on the field that she marches to throughout the show, and her chart, which shows her the dots for the instruments.
To prepare for the show, the band practices three times a week. On Monday sessions they practice their dots to make sure that they can get to the points where they need to be. Wednesday and Friday sessions are used to practice marching with instruments and playing through each song. Other days are spent playing songs and memorizing the field show. This year’s show features “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5, “Respect” by Aretha Franklin, “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” composed by Barren Strong and Norman Whitfield, and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” arranged by Jay Bocook.
“Respect” by Aretha Franklin appears to be a favorite among band members.
The Symphonic Band participates in a variety of different activities, including the Parade of 1,000 Flags, the 2022 Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade, and the Disneyland Parade. They also compete in a number of competitions against other schools. The Symphonic Band also has a club, Pep Band, where students play music for other sports throughout the year. After the marching season, the Symphonic Band transitions to their stage performances. They host a winter and spring concert annually.
Want an inside look into being a band student? Well then, you’d want to talk to Drum Major, Senior Donnell Dunlap, Senior Roxy Boggs, and freshman Grace Garver.
Boggs has been playing since her elementary school days and she plays the alto sax. Dunlap has been playing since eighth grade and he mainly plays the trumpet, but he also likes playing the trombone and the clarinet. Both musicians are experienced and have been in the band since their freshman year at Burroughs. Garver first joined the band because of her love for music. She plays trombone and had three years of experience prior to joining Burroughs Band.
“My hope for the rest of the school year is to be just as memorable as these first few months have been already,” said Garver.
Garver’s favorite event so far is the Parade of 1000 Flags. Garver can’t wait to make more memories with her bandmates this year.
In their years playing, Boggs and Dunlap have formed many amazing memories, including last year’s trip to Hawaii.
“The most memorable experience in the band was hanging out with my friends on the beach of Hawaii and playing tag,” said Boggs.
Dunlap also remembers the Hawaii trip fondly.
“I had a lot of fun with friends and had the pleasure of listening to several other high school bands!” said Dunlap.
Dunlap and Boggs have some advice for students who are starting to participate in activities throughout campus.
“My advice would be to enjoy every part that the band has to offer before you graduate,” said Dunlap. “Your future self will thank you immensely!”
Boggs has some words of encouragement and advice in general.
“[Don’t] worry about what others think of you and do what makes you happy,” said Boggs. “It doesn’t matter if you are considered weird, as long as you are happy, that’s all that matters. And learn to stay silent in some situations.”
It’s clear to see that the Symphonic Band is comprised of dedicated and spirited musicians. We can’t wait to see more of their performances this year!
