There are over one hundred members of the Dowling band and thirty of them are seniors. Some have been in band since elementary school, others joined their freshman year, some even later, but the fact remains that they have dedicated hundreds of hours to band. Band is a performing art and marching band throws physical activity into the mix. With such a difficult and time-consuming activity, some are left to wonder why members decide to come back each year. When polled, 81% of seniors said they plan to stay involved in music after high school. What drives so many to want to continue with band? What is so special about it? No one articulates this better than the most senior members of the band. Five dedicated seniors felt compelled to share the stories of their time in this incredible activity. Their accounts make clear why the band is so special.

Zoe Ball is a passionate and outgoing senior who absolutely adores her time creating music. Ball has been Drum Major of the Vanguard for two years, plays seven instruments, and is also heavily involved in choir. She plans to major in vocal performance in college and is considering pursuing music education there as well. She joined band because, as Ball jokes, her sister threatened to disown her if she didn’t. Since then, Ball has discovered a real passion and love for music. She describes the role of music in her life like this, “Music is an integral part of my identity. I believe that people are put on this Earth for a purpose, and I believe my purpose is to spread joy through performance. Music has shaped me and changed me in ways that nothing else has– I am music.” When asked what her favorite memories from band are, she reminisces on past performances. She recalls her “electric” performance as a freshman at Waukee and the Vanguard’s victory over Ankeny her sophomore year. In the band, Ball enjoys the camaraderie. The friendships, memories, and passion she has discovered in the band have kept her there and will follow her for the rest of her life.

Neva Ballinger is a 4-year colorguard and band student with the warmest and sweetest personality. She first joined colorguard because she heard two other now senior colorguard members, Abbie Rodriguez and Regan Joyce, talking about it in middle school. Since then, the “fleeting joy of performing under stadium lights” with her peers has kept her coming back each year. Ballinger didn’t even play an instrument before high school but she was inspired to play an instrument after her freshman marching season was over. She first inquired about percussion but her director, Mr. Hoover, said no and she’s been playing the bass clarinet since. Ballinger really appreciates the friendships she’s made in band. She relishes the opportunities to perform with her friends and celebrate their victories together. She recalls the Vanguard’s competition at Waukee last year, waiting as each placement was called out until Dowling realized they had won. Celebrating with her friends was the most special part of that moment. Even the smaller moments, like bus rides to competitions or watching other bands’ shows in the stands, are very important to Ballinger as they are spent with her friends. In the future, Neva Ballinger plans to study music performance and do something with music in her career to continue to enjoy this extremely special part of her life.

Eden Crock is a bright and dedicated member of the Dowling band. Crock started in band in middle school playing trumpet. In Crock’s middle school, you had to join either band or choir and Crock made the choice to join band because Crock “thought band was more fun than choir.” Unfortunately, Crock had to give up the trumpet as the pressure the instrument put on their lungs caused sickness. Since then, Crock has picked up electric and acoustic guitar and percussion. Crock is also heavily involved in working the sound systems in the band. Crock is the mastermind behind the sound system of the Vanguard and helps with other things such as the Pancake Breakfast. The ability to “create something beautiful” and “meet the wonderful people in the band” has kept Crock coming back year after year. Crock reminisces on the ride home from a band event with some former peers where the ride was like “a heavy metal concert.” Going forward, Crock would like to continue playing guitar as a hobby. Crock is always willing to help the band in any way possible. Crock wanted to close out this feature with this message; “When you feel like no one likes you always remember people may not show their affection up front but it is there and it is real.”

Jacob Suresh is a passionate musician in the band. Suresh got his start in music early learning piano. This would inspire him to join band in fifth grade to learn a new instrument. He has been a devout percussionist ever since. His experiences in seeing the Dowling Jazz Ensemble and Vanguard perform deeply inspired him and drove him to continue with music into high school. He is now involved in eight band-related extracurriculars at Dowling, including the two aforementioned activities. Suresh points out the benefits of band such as “boosted brain health and emotional relief” but emphasizes the value received from these perks when experienced with other people. He claims that people would be more at peace with themselves if they participated in music. For these reasons, and because of the satisfaction he gets after the final Vanguard performance of each year, Suresh has continued to be involved in band. He finds the amount of teamwork the Vanguard requires to be especially inspiring. “There are many things in life that would be easier done with a group but are still doable with just one person. Band is not one of those things,” he said. Suresh plans to complete a minor in music in college and hopes to perform in ensembles in college as well. After college, he aspires to continue performing wherever he can. He urges others to join band to learn from the teamwork and receive the benefits of this extraordinary activity.

Michael Thacker is a talented band and color guard member known amongst his peers for his loud and agreeable personality. Thacker has been involved in music for a long time, starting band in third grade playing the French horn which marks this as his ninth year in band. He got his start in colorguard when he was asked by a friend to join; he has been a part of the colorguard ever since. Thacker enjoys the challenge band gives him, in music or in the colorguard. As has been a recurring theme from its members, Thacker has forged many valuable friendships in the band. He appreciates the respect each member has for one another and is quick to reciprocate it. Thacker also recalls the band’s performance at Waukee last year stating that “the energy present was amazing.” In his own words, Thacker sees “music as a big part of [his] life after high school.” He plans to join a college band or a drum corps. Music has played such a large role in Thacker’s life and has always been something to look forward to for him. For this reason, he is determined to stay involved in it. Thacker urges anyone looking for a challenge or new friendships to join band. He emphasizes that you are never “too cool” to join band, you’ll be more cool for deciding to join.