VYPE: What instrument do you play, and how long have you played it?
Long Trinh: I play the trumpet. I’ve been playing since 7th grade, about four to five years now. I started learning the trumpet a while ago, but I actually joined band in my sophomore year. I’m a junior now, so it’s been a journey.
VYPE: What made you want to join band?
LT: Honestly, I grew up around music. I’ve always thought music connects everyone and helps people feel and express emotions. I wanted to be a part of that—to be able to convey feelings and play good music. That’s what really drew me in.
VYPE: What’s your favorite part about being in band?
LT: Definitely the culture. Band culture is so unique. It’s all about empowering each other, striving to improve daily, and growing individually and as an ensemble. Whether at football games, contests, concerts, or pep assemblies, we represent what it means to be a Westmoore student. That unity and spirit is what I love the most.
VYPE: How has being in band changed your high school experience?
LT: It’s made me a lot more accountable. Everyone has a part to play; if one person slacks, it’s noticeable. So we all push each other to be our best. I’ve taken on more initiative and responsibility, especially within my section. I try to help people feel welcome, support section leaders, and be someone my peers can count on. That sense of responsibility is a tremendous life skill.
VYPE: Can you describe a typical football game day?
LT: If it’s a big game like Moore War, Southwest Showdown, or Homecoming, we usually start with an assembly. Then we meet up around 5:30 p.m. We get our uniforms or red band shirts, load our equipment, and head out. At the stadium, we prepare our music, play cadences, cheer for the team—whether winning or losing—and perform at halftime if we’re the home team. Everyone locks in and gives it their all. It’s a fantastic atmosphere. Football games are a core part of our band culture.
VYPE: Do you have a favorite show or song you’ve performed?
LT: I loved Act Two of our show, Venom, this year for marching band. It was Red Cape Tango by Michael Daugherty. The saxophone quartet and woodwind features were great, and I especially liked the brass hits and the part where we improvised choreography. For concert band, my top three are:
● Blue Shades by Frank Ticheli—We performed this last year at OU (Oklahoma University) before the composer. It was a magical experience.
● Festive Of Overture by Dmitri Shostakovich – We played this for OKMEA (Oklahoma Music Educators Association) after being selected as an honor group. It has strong brass features and a great trumpet fanfare.
● One Life Beautiful by Julie Giroux is a lyrical piece with deep meaning that resonated with many of us. It was unique to us as a group and individually.
VYPE: What’s the difference between concert and marching band?
LT: Marching band is a lot more physically demanding. You’re doing choreography, moving around, and rehearsing for hours, even on Saturdays. We start in June and continue through November. Concert season takes a different focus—it’s less physical but just as mentally demanding. The music we play isn’t easy, no matter the band level. Everyone’s working to improve, especially during All-State and the OSCDA (Oklahoma South Central Directors Association) season. Concert season also includes our yearly musical. This year, it was Cinderella, and we were the ensemble for the actors and audience. It all requires commitment but in different ways.
VYPE: How would you describe the band community at Westmoore?
LT: It’s incredible. We bond within and across sections, and we’re supportive of each other. We take pride in representing Westmoore at football games, contests, or other events. Directors from different schools, parents—everyone pitches in. It’s a great community to be part of, and we all strive to uphold the spirit of Westmoore.
VYPE: If you could return to your first year of band, what advice would you give yourself?
LT: The first few weeks are the hardest, especially when figuring out if you belong or can handle the time commitment. I had just come from being homeschooled, so it was a tough adjustment. But the community welcomed me, helped me improve, and made me feel like I belonged. I’d tell myself to push through—it’s worth it. You’ll make more friends than you expect, and the experience will be something you won’t regret.
VYPE: How has band helped you grow as a person?
LT: Band has made me more accountable and aware of the role I play. Now that I’m a junior, I realize I have to set an example. Everything I do reflects on me and the program. It’s taught me leadership, responsibility, and how to be the best version of myself—not just as a musician but as a person.
