All Work and More Play: Cougar Marching Band Trains for Fall Shows

Ask any member of the Cougar Marching Band how many people are in their family and they will reply, “115.”

Despite differences in age, race, religion, background and musical taste, it is family ties that keep these students marching in time with one another.

“We’re all seriously a big family,” said senior Alyssa Fiorani, flute section leader. “Everyone loves each other. Everyone gets along. Sure there’s drama, but nothing major.”

Head of the family, band director Risa Hsu, agrees.

“We don’t always get along, but we definitely act like a family," Hsu said. "They may fight among each other or have their disagreements like brothers and sisters but they would never let anyone outside the band ever pick on another kid. They are very protective of their own.”

This support is one of the many reasons Hsu said she loves her job. 

“I can honestly say there is nothing else I would rather do,” Hsu said. “I love coming in every day and I’m sure my kids tell you I’m crazy but the students I have are a pleasure to work with. They are dedicated, they work hard, they’re fun to be around, and (they’re) really just the best, nicest kids.”

Having only recently returned from band camp at Central Michigan University, bonds within the band are stronger than ever and senior drum major Doug Lemelin is relying on this camaraderie and excitement to focus the group’s work ethic for the fall season.

“Obviously, the main priority is playing the music right and getting the formation right and working together well, but I’d really like to see morale improve,” Lemelin said. “I’d like to see the overall attitude of everyone out on the field improve and be glad to be here, because I’m glad to be here.”

Practicing several evenings a week and some weekends, band members are working to memorize a variety of music and drill (field choreography), from the Dakota fight song to the tunes used during the halftime show.

This season, home audiences will hear the band play legendary songs from the albums of AC/DC, KISS, Metallica, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath in their halftime show, “The Dark Side of Rock.”

And though the Cougars will make it look easy, junior drum major Emily Labudde reminds spectators, “It’s hard work.”

Each note may coincide with several steps and band members have to hit those marks on the field while playing the right notes, watching the drum majors for the beat and successfully avoiding fellow musicians who are doing the exact same thing.

In addition to home football games, the Cougar Marching Band will also attend competitions. Based on the rating they receive at these events, section leaders and drum majors will be able to work with individual players to perfect the band’s overall performance.

“Out of 12 flutes, I have five new members, so pretty much half my section is new,” Fiorani said. “I want to try to make them as strong as possible for next year and make it enjoyable for them, so they can have fun with the rest of the time they spend in marching band.”

This goal of progress and fun is shared by drum majors and section leaders alike, so while much of marching band is work, at the end of the day, it’s time for play.