Through the roar of Friday night lights, many overlook the background sounds of the game and the people who make them happen. 

The marching band, a small part of the school system, appears at every football game and pep rally. 

“Marching band is one of those activities that can bring kids an outlet who may not be as interested in sports,” band teacher Micah Lee said. “It gives students an opportunity to have a team that maybe they didn’t think they could be on.”

In the marching band, there is more going on than just the music; the band’s goal is to uplift each other while participating in something they love. 

“There are so many students in this school right now who play an instrument and decided not to take band because they thought it was too hard and not approachable,” Lee said. “That is the farthest thing from the truth.”

Junior band member and section leader Rylee Davis joined the marching band four years ago and has been a member of the concert band for five years. 

“I joined the band because I wanted to be included in something more,” Davis said. “I quit cheer for it because cheer wasn’t what I loved. But I loved producing music, and I already played the saxophone, so band was perfect for me.”

Band allows performers to express themselves through putting on a show that others can watch and listen. 

“I definitely believe the band has changed me as a person,” Davis said. “I’ve become more confident in myself and my skills as a musician.”

As of this year, the band comprises approximately 40 members, with three main music sections: brass, woodwind, and percussion. The different sections are based on the types of instruments being played. Brass instruments are large and made of brass, which use a mouthpiece to create sound. Woodwind instruments require a wooden mouthpiece and have different buttons to create sound, and percussion is a section that typically includes only drums. 

“I’ve met people that I never would’ve met without joining,” Davis said. “Many of these people, I believe, I’ll be friends with for life.”

Junior band member Elizabeth Raccette is one of the people Davis has grown closer to through their years in the band together. 

“Rylee and I bring the energy,” Racette said. “I feel that we are both so energetic and silly, we bring the energy all the way up. When everyone’s really sad at rehearsal, she and I both goof off as much as we can to make people happy; we’re the ultimate duo that way.” 

While bringing up the energy of the band is an important aspect, Davis also has the responsibility of being a section leader. A section leader’s primary role is to guide newer members of the band.

“Rylee brings one of the things that we look for, leadership, which is why she is one of our leaders,” Lee said. “Rylee is one of those who got her position because she’s willing to prioritize the important things and plan accordingly.” 

Davis, like past section leaders, has to balance both responsibilities to her peers and Lee to ensure success in band overall. 

“I see being a leader as a way to become their friend and supporter; I love to support my section,“ Davis said. “The band is basically a home away from home, and the ensemble is like my family.”