Kasia Weaver | Trumpet | Sophomore in Pre-Med
Kasia Weaver is in their second year with the Cardinal Marching Band and takes pride in the community that their band has created.
“Something we learned last year is that we’re all in it together. Some people didn’t stay through that, but the people who did are stronger than ever. … The dynamic between leadership, band, and staff is a lot closer and more respectful.”
Through the hardships of the last two years with the band, Weaver believes in the strength of their community.
“You always know that there’s some level of understanding between you and the people around you. Even if it’s not an easy day, we’re all still here. We’re all cold, it’s raining on all of us, it doesn’t matter- we’re all here.”
Whether it’s rain, shine, or being out sick for a week.
“Even when I’m having a bad day, I’m never like ‘Oh my God, I don’t want to go to band today.”
Brooke Reno “Miss Valley” | Twirler | Sophomore in Neuroscience Pre-Med.
Brooke Reno, official name “Miss Valley,” is in her second year with the Cardinal Marching Band and has been twirling for around 16 years. Her favorite memory is from her first game.
“My favorite memory is my first time being on the field and hearing my name called. That’s a very monumental moment in twirling … being announced as a feature twirler. In high school, you’re just known as ‘the Majorette line,’ but in college they know [you].”
Miss Valley is proud of the recognition that the band and twirlers have been receiving this season.
“We did fire baton at the TiKiE Party in the President’s Courtyard. That was really cool for us because it got our name out there and more people started cheering for us at games … Even parades seem more [alive] this year.”
The Twirling Team has been staying behind after rehearsals to practice fire baton. Fire baton involves a specialized baton that is soaked in a flammable liquid and then set on fire, that the twirlers then wield.
Ash Brown | Clarinet Section Leader | Senior in Psychology
Ash Brown is in their fourth year with the Cardinal Marching Band and is honored to help out behind the scenes as the Clarinet section leader.
Cardinal Marching Band rehearsals are two hours, twice a week. But for the many sections, it doesn’t stop there. The Clarinet section has sectionals outside of rehearsals. Sectionals are the name given to rehearsal time involving the entirety of one section of instruments. “[During sectionals], we will continue to work on music and drill to really nail down any tricky spots there may be.”
“It’s definitely a big commitment, especially with games being on the weekends and needing to do a lot of prep work outside of class … I’ve been in band for over ten years now. As much of a commitment as it is, I wouldn’t change anything about it. It has always been a special place and I love the community it has given me.”
Ruth Lehr | Drum Major | Senior in Music Education
Ruth Lehr is in her fourth year with the Cardinal Marching Band and her second year as Drum Major. Being a Drum Major is a demanding job, requiring a lot of time spent outside of rehearsal preparing.
“[Drum Majors] get [to rehearsal] 30 minutes before rehearsal starts. Our whole purpose is to be the wall between the band director and the band. Our job is to communicate from the band director, to the band … Outside of rehearsal, we are strictly fire-fighters. If anyone needs anything that a section leader can’t answer, the Drum Major’s job is to find the answer to that.”
Drum Majors have even been attending workshops outside of rehearsal time, “No one will ever notice, but we changed conducting styles for halftime, and so we’ve attended many workshops with the director to do that.”
Lehr finds it important to bring others up, shouting out Drum Major Jada Bragiel, “Jada has brought so much to our band as far as attitude, and her desire is that the band is as close as they can be. She is always positive, I’ve never seen her truly upset. And she is a Drum Major at heart … Our band is in good hands.”
Chase Lambert | Sousaphone | Freshman in Computer Information Systems
Chase Lambert is in his first year with the Cardinal Marching Band. He plays the sousaphone, one of the largest low brass instruments. Even though he is in his first year, Lambert feels a connection with the band because of the level of musicianship and skill. “I think the fact that we basically got a whole show together in only four days says a lot about our abilities.”
Chase spends around nine hours a week on marching band during a non-game week and around eighteen hours during a game week. “I honestly just practice until I get whatever I’m working on. I have spent around three or four hours on one piece until I got it.”
His favorite memory of the season was his first game with the Cardinal Marching Band. “I got stung by a wasp eleven times right before we went out for pre-game. … I still can’t believe it, it sounds like something I made up, but they stung all over my leg.”
After a demanding season, Lambert is ready for some well-deserved rest. “It’s going to be Christmas break and I’m just going to sleep….”
