Students Are Saving the Heartbeat of Sahuaro- Marching Band
September 14, 2021
Sahuaro’s marching band has always brought the campus to life. From hall marches, pep rallies, football games, it’s hard to imagine our school without the sound of the wind instruments and drums throughout the halls. Unfortunately for Sahuaro students, last year the former teacher, Ms. Engel, stepped down to start a family. Since then, the school has already gone through two new teachers and currently, the class has had a rotating list of substitutes.
Thankfully, a group of faithful seniors has taken the reigns and are currently leading the first period marching band class. Right now the class is practicing fight songs and other pieces they can play at games, and they’ll be in the Friday night lights this September 17th! They are even going to try to branch out into basketball games and as the school year goes on hopefully they can organize bigger events. Usually, the band can be seen performing routines at halftime and going to competitions but for now, they lack mentors, supervision, and funds. When asked if they think they can expect a teacher anytime soon one of the leading seniors, Sam Kerr, said, “I doubt we will, not until next year or next semester.”
Sam also shares the message that “we’re a family, we are looking for more people and even if you don’t know how to play we can teach you. We also welcome any returners back.” If you just want to be part of the marching band but not take the class, you can talk to any members in the band room before or after school to find out the rehearsal schedule. Justin Todd, one of the other seniors leading the class added on that, “I’m really proud of everyone right now who’s staying despite everything that’s going on.”
Linnea • Sep 19, 2021 at 8:14 pm
First let me congratulate the seniors who are leading the marching band and trying to make it a great year! Go Cougars!
In my opinion this should have never had to happen. The first band director is a very dedicated, loyal and true believer in band and marching band. He wanted the best for the kids and was determined to make it a trophy winning year and great year for all. Since the school offered him the position he worked day and night to make sure of perfection. The problem came when he couldn’t get responses and true responses for the month he had to set it all up. They didn’t care enough while they all went on vacation with no one who had the answers to his questions being able to be reached when in reality they should have been by his side working with him. He had no choice but to not move forward. He truly talks about Sahuaro and what he could have given to the band if only he had been given a fair chance going into it and honest true answers to his questions regarding size of band, funding or any other particulars on the position. He was looking forward to band camp and in my opinion he would have been great for the kids and they would have enjoyed being taught by him. March on band, enjoy and have fun!!