Hard work and dedication is a big contributor to the success of the band, along with countless hours of practice that leaves crowds engaged at events.
“It takes so much dedication, most people think that we’re just out there walking on a field, playing, making shapes, but it’s so much more than that,” flute player, Holly Mydland, said.
“You have to be focused, every little thing that you do on the field has to be detailed, very very detailed, to like where your toes are pointed even, it’s hard work.”
The CRHS marching band is known for their work on the field and in concert season. The band spends up to eight hours a week for pep rallies and football games to make sure they are in good shape. Students individually are responsible for practicing their music and technique outside of school.
“I try to get at least around 30 minutes every day but sometimes that doesn’t happen, but I make sure I always at least practice five minutes at minimum because anytime is better than no time,” Mydland said.
On top of practicing, the band finds that preparation is key in order to maintain a steady schedule on game day. Marching band students stay up as late as 11 at night on a typical game day, including their regular scheduled school day.
“For Thursdays and Fridays, we go to school like normal, and then right after school we have a run through from 3:15 to 4,” Mydland said. “And then after we are done with run through, we go and we eat, the food is provided for us, then we have to get dressed into our uniforms, go to inspection which is with our DI’s and then inspect us to get on and make sure we have all our uniforms on correctly, and can make sure we can go to the bus, and we go to the football game.”
Not only do the students of the marching band pour all their hard work and talent onto the field, but they also put the same effort into class. The different levels of band have their own class period, meaning that they get more guidance with their technique from their directors. This class time is significant to their overall performance and sound.
“You have to be very engaged in what you’re doing and you have to know and listen to what the directors say so you don’t mess up and cause yourself to be a safety hazard,” Mydland said. “Especially during marching band because if you lose the littlest information, you won’t be able to know what to do, so you have to be completely engaged and focused the entire time.”
It’s safe to say that the Cinco Ranch Marching band definitely has skill and passion for their program. This year for them is all about turning lemons into fantastic success.
