HC Marching Band teaches multiple skills to students

Some teachers are acutely aware of the value in teaching future generations and helping them to grow and mature. But when dealing with over 100 students at once, being aware of each student’s needs may be a challenge.

“I saw some good and value in [teaching],” HC Marching Band Director William Kite said. “An opportunity to work with folks like that, and watch them grow and develop.”

Having to move and be in a certain spot at the right time, in addition to having to play at a high level, is only part of the marching band experience.

We focus a lot on the character building process,” Kite said. “They have to understand that the group is more important than an individual.”

Marching band is about putting on a big production: moving and playing at the highest level. But, it also involves learning about the instruments and how the body should look like while playing.

Lucas Sandford, a HC senior, has been a part of marching band for five years.

“I started when I was in eighth grade,” Sandford said. “I really enjoyed band in middle school.”

In early October, marching band students visited middle schools around Fayette County. Their goal was to recruit band students for next year.

Marching band helps develop many skills.

“If the students can learn to multitask, they usually end up succeeding in other areas of school too.” Kite said.

Sandford, who plays percussion, believes in hard work, dedication, and leadership and that they are the qualities necessary for band.

His teacher agrees.

“Commitment I’d say is the big one,” Kite said, “Obviously, work ethic and discipline as well.”

Marching band is also about developing bonds. Starting mid-July and lasting until early November, the season is long. Armaan McCoy, a sophomore, relives some of his favorite memories.

“Just hanging out on really long bus rides, and hanging out after practice,” McCoy said.

With spending so much time together, it is unavoidable that great friendships are created.

“[By] developing the strongest family atmosphere we can,” Kite said. “We can work together as a family and as a team.”

Working together will teach people that no one person is more important than the group. Everyone impacts everyone else, so the band cannot be kept afloat by one person. Everyone is just as necessary as the next.