Since the start of the year, the marching band banded together to make this one count.
“Nothing brings the band together like each other. Whether it’s on stage, on the field, in the classroom or at any social event, we always make sure that we’re all comfortable and happy. We all want the best for each other and the music we make,” senior field commander Ryan Catey said.
Good music can’t be created in a space where members can’t trust one another, according to Jensen. A big emphasis on being there for one another in different times of need and during performances helps guide the marching band to success.
“The biggest thing (change) this year is culture, we’re all getting cohesive and running like a big happy family,” band director Brad Arnold said.
For the past 30-40 years the marching band achieved high accolades at events like the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) festival. Each year they place in division one, which is the highest division against other schools in the district.
“Because we’re so close as a collective it’s easy for us to know I’m doing this for everyone I’m not just doing this for myself,” senior field commander Emma Jensen said.
They not only work hard to set a tone at sporting events but also put in many hours for their competitions and performances showcasing their music.
“Knowing we’re a part of Eisenhower’s ensembles is a big part of it sometimes. As Ike students, we know of the prestigious achievements that have been earned by previous generations, so we always try our best to go even further,” Catey said.
With a legacy to uphold, it can weigh down on the members sometimes. While this may be so, they keep positive mindsets and hold themselves to certain expectations to keep up with it all. This kind of mentality is what helped them achieve their title at the MSBOA festival and outdo their performance at Band-A-Rama.
“I’m a pessimist at heart, so I expect the best but always prepare myself for the worst. But I’m hopeful the underclassmen will realize that it takes a lot of hard work to make the music we play sound full of life,” Catey said.
Integrating from a junior high band class setting to a high school one is a bigger jump than some may think. A noticeable guiding factor in the team’s success is the seniors’ helpfulness towards their underclassmen, according to Arnold.
“No good music can be created from a place of fear or anger,” Catey said. “Making sure that we all feel comfortable with each other and knowing who it is we’re really playing with makes the music we put out into the world so much more enjoyable to hear.”
