Marist offers a class which combines creativity and music with determination and perseverance. Band is an honors level class available to all students of any grade level. During first period, all band members practice together in the band room.
What makes the band so appealing to its members is the experience.
“All of our members really benefit from our community and working together,” says band director Andrew Creagh.
The band doesn’t just get to play at Marist. They perform in parades, travel to grade schools, and even get to go to other countries.
“As someone who’s barely traveled, I look forward to it with the band because it’s new for me, and we get to go to all these cool places,” says freshman flutist Eva Malfas.
Another benefit is that band members who have been in the program for at least two consecutive years get their required credits for gym.
There are no requirements to join, though most band members did play in their middle school.
“We have students come in with no musical experience and we teach them instruments and work from there,” says Creagh.
Even with prior experience, members must give their best effort, whether that be during practice or actual performances.
“We expect our students to be workers, constantly wanting to contribute. Our students improve not only individually, but grow musically as a group as well,” says Creagh.
Some possible members worry that the workload could be too much to handle.
“Sometimes the band feels a little stressful when it comes to other work, especially if you are in other honors classes,” says freshman trombonist Olive Bueno. “If you put the effort to stay on top of it all, you’re good, it is pretty easy.”
The commitment outside of school is also less than some originally expected.
“I only have to stay after school one day a week for sectionals, or maybe a few times right before a concert, so it does not feel demanding,” says Malfas.
Band members still have the opportunity to join other clubs, sports, or after school activities.
“95% of our kids are involved in other things. Unlike other schools, we do our best to work around kids’ schedules,” says Creagh.
When it comes to actually playing in the band, the choice of instruments are: flute, oboe, clarinet, base clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, and percussion.
Some students consider signing up, but are unsure how. The first step someone would take is to add band to their classes in course selection. Creagh then meets with each student to determine what instrument to play.
The band room is located at the end of the long hall next to the main gym and nurse’s office. Follow the hall and the band room is at the end.
Students are able to visit the band room after school, or during their lunch periods.
“I enjoy coming to the band room to eat lunch, hang out with the band directors, and be around here in general,” says Bueno.
