By Megan Johnson

“Patience is key. Patience with myself, patience with others that don’t understand their parts,” said junior band member Samantha Eckert.

Patience is exactly what band students are currently practicing.

On May 2, the band will be headed to their state competition and most appear to be lying in wait for this moment.

“I am excited for state this year because we’re playing ‘Redacted,’ which is an extremely difficult and strange piece,” said senior trumpet player Lucy Cathcart.

However, other members, such as junior clarinet player Christian Briscoe, are nervous for the event.

“Any one judge can ruin the achievement that we worked at because of an opinion he has,” he said.

Cathcart mentioned that along with the piece “Redacted” band members have been practicing other difficult music such as “Elsa’s Procession” and “Pathfinder at Panama.”

Cathcart also shared that demanding pieces such as these require practice outside of class to hone their skills.

“The best tactic a person can use is taking their pieces home and going over the spots they have difficulties on,” she said.

Eckert shared that she also believes in the art of practicing by one’s self.

“Everyone has to help themselves out by practicing individually,” she said.

Briscoe suggested that instead of just practicing the music, students can also practice along with the recording of another musician.

“I listen to professional recordings of each piece and play along it,” he said.

Eckert explained that practicing on alone is not the only skill that is required to succeed.

Students practice teamwork by playing together during class time and sometimes even after school on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Cathcart shared that they majorly bond as musicians by rehearsing their songs together and ensuring that all of their parts sound well when played together.

“We don’t just produce noise. We make music,” she said.

Eckert also explained that they not only bond as musicians through the music, but as a family in general.

“I find it really interesting to see all the connections made. The bonds are unbreakable.”

Students such as Eckert and Cathcart see band as much more than a class, they see it as an opportunity of a lifetime.

“Band and music is my life. Without it, I wouldn’t have a future and I wouldn’t be who I am,” said Eckert.

Those wanting to see the band perform can attend the spring concert tomorrow at 7 p.m.