By Chris Dietrich
VYPE: Many people don’t realize how physically demanding a band can be. How do you train or prepare for performances?
Bryant Nguyen: We get up and meet early in the morning to prep for performances. Then, after stretches and a daily run around the football field, we practice the whole show and then clean and fix any problems with the music, uniformity, or energy. This would take up a large part of our day.
VYPE: How does marching band compare to traditional sports in intensity and teamwork?
BN: Marching band may not be as intense as other sports, but the long rehearsals in 100-degree weather are pretty fierce. However, there is as much teamwork, if not more, in band because it’s not a team of six or ten but a team of 200-plus students performing at once. We all have a part, from drumlines to flutes. If one person messes up, we all do.
VYPE: What’s the most physically or mentally challenging part of performing?
BN: The most mentally challenging part is keeping the performance energy up while doing everything else, like staying on time, not standing out, and playing the music well. Physically, it would be keeping everything uniform since anyone could march but marching the same way as hundreds of others while thinking ahead uses hours of practice.
VYPE: What has been the most intense or high-stakes performance you’ve participated in? BN: The BOA St. Louis Super-Regional was the most significant competition the Westmoore Band has attended in years. It was on the national level, with schools all over the country’s southern region coming to compete. Out of those schools, we placed 20th, only a few places away from the finals.
VYPE: Can you describe the energy of stepping onto the field before a big competition?
BN: The energy of stepping onto a field is exciting, especially at your first competition or competitions at the end of a good season. There are cheers from parents there to see you and cheers from the other bands and friends. The energy from the crowd gets you to focus and lock in, and when you are about to perform for finals and the stands are complete, this is especially present.
