Memories and Moments: Q & A with Senior Jenny Ford
How many years have you participated in band? What was your role? I have participated in the high school band for 5 years
I have participated in the high school band for 5 years now. I am band president and a lieutenant officer for the band as well as a section leader for the clarinet section
What is a favorite memory from band?
My favorite memory during my time in band is when we were at the State Marching Contest in 2017. The moment we walked through the tunnel and onto the field, I looked to my left and saw a giant marqui that read “UIL State Marching Band Championships,” and I was covered in chills.
How did band enrich your life? What is your takeaway from it?
Band has been a huge part of my life. It gave me so many friends and amazing relationships with people. It gave me a family and it was my home-away-from home for many years.
What will you miss most?
I’m gonna miss band camp at the beginning of every school year and teaching the younger kids. I’m also going to miss the bus rides to contests or games with all of my friends laughing and joking, and that feeling of adrenaline after the drum major cuts off the last note and you know you marched a perfect show.
What honors did you receive?
I received honors such as qualifying for state Solo & Ensemble for 3 years, making it into the All-District and All-Region all four years, as well as qualifying for the All-Area band for 2 years. I have been the first chair bass clarinet for 3 years as well.
Can you share a fun story?
A fun memory that I have is when we would sing our parts in the marching show on the bus ride to contests with the drum majors conducting us. We all knew our parts so perfectly that we sang with so much passion and we were filled with joy and laughter and it got us all excited for performing.
What can you say to younger students who might be considering participating in band? Any advice?
For any of the younger kids who are considering joining the high school band, I highly advise you to at least try it for one year before you decide you don’t want to do it. The band is a perfect way to have a family at school, just like any sports team or group. In our band, you play such amazing pieces of music and have so much fun doing it, knowing that all the hard work has paid off when your band receives a trophy or a plaque. My advice would be to respect the upperclassmen, even if you don’t want to and don’t think they deserve it. Another piece of advice is that Mr. Bennett isn’t as scary as he seems and he’s just a really big teddy bear.
What are your future plans?
My future plans include majoring in Media Arts and Marketing at the University of North Texas in Denton and hopefully playing for the marching band there. Go Mean Green!