By Derek Hanke

Marching band relationships can cause everything from distraction to increased satisfaction from band.

“If you’re dating someone within the band, you’re dating the band itself,” said senior Christian Thomas.

Being a veteran of a number of band relationships himself, Thomas can see both the positives and negatives of having one.

“You get to spend time together, but you’re also spending it with 120 of your closest friends,” Thomas said.

He thinks band relationships can turn out good or bad.

“It all depends on the people involved. There are some people who cause a lot of drama, and that’s not fun for anybody,” he said.

Sophomore Steven Pierce stands against band relationships.

“After my experience, I came away with new knowledge of why I shouldn’t be in a relationship in band,” he said.

Remaining professional is a priority to Pierce.

“I am against relationships because band is a completely serious thing, and a band relationship can get distracting,” said Pierce.

Pierce concedes that while band relationships may have benefits, they can also impair the marching band itself.

“A negative is that you can lose focus, and not use full potential,” said Pierce.

Pierce says he is okay with people who have them.

“I don’t have a problem with people being in a band relationship, I’m just going on past experience,” he said.

Senior Parker Lyons supports band relationships.

“When you’re already spending a lot of time with people in band, you’re presented with a great opportunity to date someone if that’s what you want,” said Lyons.

Lyons said band relationships are fine as long as they do not interrupt the ensemble.

“It’s important to keep things professional,” he said.

Lyons feels that outsiders are indifferent to dating within the band.

“People are okay with it. There’s always going to be a couple of people that aren’t okay with it, but that’s just their perspective,” said Lyons.

Junior Jacqueline Howard and her boyfriend sophomore Christian Bush have been in a successful band relationship for around five weeks.

“Band helped give us a lot more time together. It’s a great thing,” said Howard.

Howard is glad she is dating someone in band.

“Christian and I share the same interests and personality type,” said Howard.

Bush thinks the time spent together has an effect on the relationship.

“Band has brought us closer and given us more bonding time,” said Bush.