Seventh period adds to music program

Walking into the music room, one can hear songs like “What I’ve Done” by Linkin Park being played on the piano and the song that plays right before Michael Myers slaughters someone being played on the marimba. While waiting, one can hear the clamor of people laughing and talking. However, when 2:30 hits, students get out their instruments and set everything up for the new marching band this year.

It has been five years since Stagg has had a marching band. Joseph Updegraff, music teacher, has brought it back. “Every healthy high school should have a marching band,” he said. He wants to give students another fun experience. They practice on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 2:30-3:45 and it also counts as physical education credit.

“I joined because I’m very passionate about music and it counts for P.E. credits,” said Jonathon Ivy.  This sophomore is a member of the marching band and is practicing to be a tenor drum, or quints. Quints are five drums connected together, strapped onto your shoulders, and hung in front of your stomach.

There are different parts to marching band: the drumline, color guard, where people spin the flags, the pits, which consists of instruments like the marimba, and the horn line.

Marching band originated from traveling musicians and is based on some military traditions. For example, the calling of the commands is done in a way that is very loud and firm, and the way that the band stands is tall and proud as they wait for commands.

“This isn’t an instant goal. We will go as slow as they need to build their skills,” Updegraff said. It will be a slow process because he is teaching students who haven’t played an instrument before where to place their fingers, how to blow into the mouth piece, and how to keep up with the rhythm that Updegraff sets for them.

He talks about how long it’s been since Stagg’s had a marching program, which is more than six years. The difference between marching band and a marching program is all the extra time, money, and a lot of participation from students, staff, faculty, and the administration.

The students, however, have different ideas on how soon they’ll meet their goals. “Well, for now I just want to perform with the other schools at showcase in May, but in the future I want to see us on the field next football season,” Ivy said.

The environment of the room is described as being open and accepting. You hear the rhythmic beats of the drum and the stomping of feet hitting the ground from marching. “Marching band requires patience and discipline and some music experience,” sophomore Elizabeth Magaña said.