By Chris Dietrich on Special Assignment for VYPE Magazine

VYPE: Many people don’t realize how physically demanding a band can be. How do you train or prepare for performances?

Josiah Moore: The marching band’s demands are stamina and heat. So, especially over the summer, I have to prepare by running outside to get used to the heat and improve my stamina. It also sounds funny, but we do tons of breathing exercises since it’s tough to run a physically demanding show and have enough air to blow in our horn to play the music, especially the loud parts.

VYPE: How does marching band compare to traditional sports in intensity and teamwork?

JM: The main difference between marching band and a sport is the sheer teamwork and perfection required to execute a show successfully. For example, if one person in a line goes to the wrong spot, the rest of the people in that line have to follow them, and it can screw up entire formations. Moreover, there is an intensity in it; for example, we go out on the field at competitions wanting to beat other schools and perform better, so we do feel that intensity in our performances.

VYPE: What’s the most physically or mentally challenging part of performing?

JM: The most challenging part of performing is getting into the right mental state. Especially when soloing, I will mess up if I get in my head. I’ve had to learn a lot this year about just keeping myself calm and not beating myself up after a performance if I mess up. Staying calm shows my other players that staying calm in the chaos is possible.

VYPE: What has been the most intense or high-stakes performance you’ve participated in?

JM: Last year, the most high-stakes performance was at the Bands of America (BOA) St. Louis Super Regional. It was the first time we’d been on the national stage, and we performed in a massive Superdome, which was incredibly nerve-wracking.

VYPE: Can you describe the energy of stepping onto the field before a big competition?

JM: It’s difficult to describe the energy before taking the field at a big competition. You can feel everyone’s competitive spirit there. This is one of those moments for which everyone has put in so many hours and so much work. Everyone is entirely focused and mentally prepared for the task at hand. It’s hard to describe but seeing all your peers who have worked so hard completely lock in is surreal.