The Topeka High Band has always stood out in many ways from our outstanding drumline to the amount of new talent that walks through the doors each year. While many of the students see the band frequently they may not know what it’s like to be part of the music. We asked Julia Allen, senior, what it is really like to participate in band class.

Q: How has band changed since freshman year?

A: A lot of the responsibilities have shifted from student responsibilities to the teachers responsibilities and the upperclassmen don’t really take charge as often as they use to anymore.

Q: What is it really like to participate in a band or music class in high school? 

A:It is a lot of outside practicing time and a lot of outside commitment. It teaches us to look at the little things.

Q: What are some times that the band plays and maybe students don’t realize it is them? 

A: We are sometimes in the pit during things like the musicals, assemblies, and sometimes even events like homecoming.

Q: Are there different levels to the band? If so what are they? 

A: Freshman and upperclassmen is the major one and then the more serious musicians, a lot of them play in Jazz Band or Stage Band. The drumline is it’s own thing entirely as well.

Q: How does band impact student lives? 

A: It teaches them responsibility and opens up college and job opportunities.