The University Academy marching band brings spirit and excitement to football games at UA.
The band is under the direction of Mr. Evan Schroeder. Mr. Schroeder has been a part of a band for 23 years so far, from middle school up until now. He was mainly influenced by his high school band teacher and how his class was set up. It sparked Mr. Schroeder’s interest, and he figured teaching band would be something he would enjoy.
The UA marching band consists of 9th-12th graders who play their instruments during UA’s home football games in the stands and on the field.
On game days, the marching band meets early in the band room and marches out, with members playing their instruments on their way to the football field a few minutes before the game starts.
As the game is in progress, the band usually plays energetic and upbeat music to motivate the players and the crowd. They also play short celebratory songs after touchdowns and good plays to keep a spirited atmosphere.
During halftime this year, the marching band performed a short collection of 2000s pop songs to entertain the crowd on hand.
The halftime show is directed by drum major Ashlee Ford, a UA senior. She became drum major her junior year, so this was her second year in that role.
“As a senior, I will miss being able to lead the band. I liked it so much because it gave me a great social experience and helped expand my communication skills,” Ford said.
Most of the marching band’s practices happen during class, and Ford helps to conduct during rehearsals, too, and even takes over in the absence of Mr. Schroeder.
Among the students Ford leads, there is Zoei Gipson, a sophomore who loves being a part of the marching band. She has been in band since eighth grade and has now completed two football seasons in the UA marching band.
She plays the baritone, which is a larger instrument and a part of the low brass section. Gipson initially wasn’t sure she wanted to play such a big instrument, but she fell in love with it.
“I view my instrument as a tool to learn about myself and how to persevere through learning new things that can be hard,” Gipson said.
She feels her instrument actually matches her personality in a way. She said she doesn’t really stand out, but she always contributes to the overall bigger picture, and that’s how a baritone fits into the band, too.
For anyone interested in joining the marching band, most of UA’s marching band members have been with Mr. Schroeder since middle school, so they enter high school already knowing how to read music and play an instrument. However, they can still join the marching band for next year if they meet certain qualifications.
“They need to already know how to read music and play an instrument,” Mr. Schroeder said.
At the football games, the football players aren’t the only ones to watch! Keep an eye on the University Academy marching band.