By Chris Dietrich
VYPE: Do you plan? How long have you been playing?
Isabella Walker: I play two different instruments. My primary instrument is the flute, and I’ve been playing it for six years—since 7th grade. I’ve been first and second chair, so I’m a pretty accomplished flute player. At the start of my freshman year, I picked up the trumpet too, and I’ve been playing it for about two years. I honestly enjoy trumpet more—it’s louder and just more fun.
VYPE: So, do you still play flute or just trumpet now?
IW: I still play flute! I currently play it in a symphonic band and am second chair.
VYPE: Why did you want to join band initially?
IW: At first, I just wanted something to do. Over time, I realized I kept coming back because I love creating music. It brings me to a place that I can’t express with words. It’s powerful.
VYPE: What’s your favorite part of being in band?
IW: It’s a tie between making music with an ensemble, doing solos, and honestly just the shenanigans with my sections. There’s always something fun going on.
VYPE: How has band changed your high school experience?
IW: It’s been my community. The band is always there when I feel like I have no one to lean on. If I don’t want to do homework, I practice. If I’m bored, I play. I do band if I want to be better at something or just share music. It’s helped embed music deep into who I am.
VYPE: Can you describe a typical football game or contest day?
IW: Oh, man. It starts at 4:30 PM—you’re just at home like, “I have a game today.” Then, by 5:30, you’re at the school. Warmups last till 6, and then you’re getting into uniform. Early in the season, it’s still hot out, which sucks. But once you’re past that, it gets really fun. Cadences are great. Drumline rushing is chaos, but we love it. Trumpets obviously have the best cadences. At the end of the night—like 1 AM—we usually go to Denny’s by the service road. We hang out, do dumb stuff, and then head home to wake up for school the next day.
VYPE: What’s halftime like?
IW: It’s fantastic when the student section is actually respectful. It’s nice to perform for people paying attention and show off what we’ve been working on for weeks.
VYPE: Any challenges during football games?
IW: Timing during halftime is tricky—there’s cheer, pom, the visiting band, and all the coordination is a lot.
VYPE: What’s the most challenging part of marching vs. concert band?
IW: For marching band, it’s the early mornings and the physical demands. It’s tough, but I’d always remind myself that even if I don’t love it now, I’ll be glad I did it later. With concert bands—especially symphonic bands—there is a lack of motivation from some members. Since
it’s considered “second best” to Wind Ensemble, people don’t always give it their all, making it hard for those who want to create something meaningful.
VYPE: Do you have a favorite show or performance?
IW: That’s tough. My first marching show was Dare to Dream. I only really liked Act 2, especially this part where I stood behind Zachary W., a trumpet player. We both played the same part. I didn’t care much for Mary, our sophomore year show. But I loved Venom. The music, choreo, and energy were dark and intense. We made 20th at Nationals out of 70 bands and 10th at OBA, which hadn’t happened in years. We also broke 80 at OBA, which we hadn’t done since 2016.
VYPE: How would you compare Venom and Dare to Dream?
IW: Dare to Dream was light and hopeful, inspired by The Greatest Showman. Venom was dark and creepy, and it really pushed us to create a specific eerie vibe. I definitely liked Venom more—it had more emotion and punch.
VYPE: How does concert band compare to marching?
IW: The transition is wild. You go from waking up at 5 AM to being able to sleep until 7:30. Mentally, concert band is easier. You get to sit and focus on how you’re playing. In marching, you’re thinking about music, choreo, timing, 200 other people, everything. In a concert band, it’s just you and your section.
VYPE: What’s your favorite piece you’ve performed?
IW: It was a solo called Bergamask—I think it was either my freshman or sophomore year. It was just one page, a slow movement, and it challenged me to go from low to high registers. I shaped it musically in a way I liked, and I got a 1 rating for it. It was short but powerful.
VYPE: What awards have you earned in band?
IW: In 8th grade, I made All-State Band for CODA on flute—2nd chair. Then I took a break, but I started competing again by freshman year. Every solo I’ve performed has earned a 1 rating.
VYPE: How would you describe your band community?
IW: We’re weird in the best way. We’re 200+ people from all grades with quirks that blend into something extraordinary. We’re like a group of bad comedians who all think we’re hilarious—like dad jokes. That’s band kids for you.
VYPE: What advice would you give someone thinking about joining a band?
IW: Do it. Even if you hate it, at least you tried. If you love it, stay in, give it your all, and be competitive. Push yourself to be your best.
VYPE: What’s your favorite memory from band?
IW: Honestly, all the dumb moments—like when Ryan was completely slumped over asleep on the bus. We have so many pictures of stuff like that. Or the random conversations during water breaks—we talk about the most absurd stuff. It’s just a great time to bond and laugh.
VYPE: Do you plan to continue playing after high school?
IW: If I can, yes. I want to major in pharmacy, but if I can join an orchestra or minor in music, I’m absolutely going for it. VYPE: How has band helped you grow as a person?
IW: It’s taught me the importance of self-improvement. You have to work hard to get good results. It’s also taught me to multitask—when you play, you’re thinking about posture, notes, dynamics, tone, marching, timing, everything. It’s made me more patient, too. I used to be super impatient and wanted everything immediately. But through band, especially this year, I’ve learned to wait and trust the process.
