BY KAYLA NEISWONGER, Freshman
BLYTHEWOOD - Today’s high schoolers often seem to be more interested in football or on their homework than the band.
Freshman barrie saxophone player, Ashley Gambrell has participated in the Blue Legion Band at Blythewood High for 2 years.
“Honestly, they acknowledge the football players more than they do the marching band,” Gambrell said. “They think we do nothing [or] no one comes for the band.”
Gambrell believes the school shows little to no acknowledgment for the band.
“Last year before state competition, they made a big poster. That’s the only time I ever saw that,” Gambrell said.
Blue Legion band director, Dr. Quintus Wrighten said respect for marching band depends on the school.
“There is more respect at Blythewood High and more on TV over the seasons, but I would definitely like to see more,” Dr. Wrighten said.
Senior baritone Perry Hopper, participated in the Blue Legion band for four years. He feels the same way as Dr. Wrighten.
“I feel like the band has gotten more appreciation over the years with this year and last year being the best,” Hopper said.
Dr. Wrighten has seen less respect for the band when he was in school and seen the increasing respect for the band over the past few years.
“Where I went to school the band was so big and we got recognized then but in the whole there is a lot more recognition now then when I was in school,” Dr.Wrighten said.
“Considering that marching band is not as popular as some other activities, I feel like the amount of recognition we get is enough. I guess we could get a little more since we are one of the biggest organizations in our student body,” Hopper said.
Hopper said that if one loves a certain occupation they would do it, not for the acknowledgment they get, but because they love it.
“If you have a love for an activity, you would want to do no matter who is watching or what kind of honor you receive. If a person really wanted to be a janitor because he/she like cleaning, they would want to do it even if it doesn't pay well or they don't necessarily get recognition for it. Same thing with band, if someone liked playing their instrument, they shouldn't like it so they can get appreciation for it, they should like because they like playing their instrument,” Hopper said.
Gambrell believes the band should get something special like every other activity involved with the school.
According to a thank you letter written by Catie Blackwell in The Odyssey online, she stated that she didn’t take band or orchestra seriously.
“In middle school I made fun of “band geeks” or the “dorkestra” but when I joined the marching band, I regret all the time thinking band was lame.”
Until she joined band she regretted everything she said negatively about the band.
“I have never met a person who quit band and looked positively back on that decision,” said Dr. Wrighten.
Wrighten and Blackwell both regretted or never met someone who regretted leaving the band.
“Come to terms with the fact you’re pretty much 'the one that got away,'” Blackwell said.
In Blackwell's case she made fun of the band but, when Blackwell joined the band she then regretted everything she ever thought about the band. When Blackwell graduated and left the band she was upset she left.
Hopper's state of mind is that when one quits something they feel like that activity isn't for them.
“I think that less appreciation could be why we get fewer band members every year. However, I also believe that the people who do quit band realized that band really isn't for them,”Hopper said.
This confusion unfortunately happens to a handful of people. People don’t know how they feel about band until they actually tried band or the person does it for the free trips or to get out of school but realizes it is too much.
All three of these band members, Gambrell, Hopper, and Dr.Wrighten do it because they love to but, they would like to see more respect and love from everyone.
What others do not see is that band gives a lot more than a trophy but memories.
“Band offers you some of the longest lasting relationships and lessons that you will ever gain,” said Dr. Wrighten.
A person that doesn't even know Dr. Wrighten, they can tell how proud he is of the band, like a father proud of his child.
“With the band program being the largest student organization and the musical ambassadors for our school and community we are grateful to serve as positive representation of our communication,” said Dr. Wrighten.
The Blue Legion also performed at Bands of America or BOA in Jacksonville, Ala. on October 9 against some of the best marching bands in the country.
The Blue Legion’s final performance will be Saturday, Oct. 28 at the state finals.
