In high school marching band, two very different perspectives come together: the nervous newcomers learning instruments and drill for the first time, and confident seniors whose leadership and experience shine with every step.
High school itself can feel very stressful and overwhelming, but it also creates unforgettable experiences. At Godwin, one of those is the marching band.
To show this perspective, Godwin senior and Drumline Captain, Kyra Evans, said, “Once I graduate, I think I will miss the environment the band brings the most.” Additionally, Godwin senior and Brass Captain, Parker Finch said, “I think I will miss the family I’ve made here, and the people I’m leaving behind, but I know they’ll keep our traditions alive.”
When sharing what traditions will be the most missed, Godwin senior and Co-Drum Major, Sydney Macon said, “I think I will miss our 8 a.m.-8 p.m. week the most. We call it ‘Hell Week.’ It’s tough without a doubt– the heat, the long hours, the nonstop rehearsals– but it’s also when we come together as a family, pushing each other to get better and making memories that last a lifetime.”
Despite the exhaustion and endless hours of working hard, Godwin’s band makes it worth it; they find new ways to make “Hell Week” fun by dressing up to a new theme decided by leadership every day. Demonstrating this, Godwin senior and Co-Drum Major Maryam Surani shared, “I’m really going to miss dressing up every day; it’s fun to see everyone’s creative ideas.”
Yet, to describe the other side of perspectives, most freshmen express stepping onto the band field for the first time as nerve-racking. It’s a whole new experience that’s nothing like they’re used to.
Depicting this, Godwin freshman tuba player, Olivia Rudenko, shared, “I was really nervous walking into a new environment, hardly knowing anybody.” However, despite the nerves, Olivia’s experience symbolizes a common beginning for many freshmen.
And every band’s most important factor is its director. Godwin’s Band Director of seven years, and counting, Derek Ramsey, has always expressed that band is more than just an extracurricular activity; it’s a family. Ramsey describes his proudest moments of teaching as “when we get standing ovations at marching assessments and concert assessments. It’s a great thing to be a part of.”
As a teacher, playing an important role in students’ lives is part of the job. For Ramsey, watching his students succeed brings him pride in what he does.
He also later expresses, “I hope that students know that to be really good at something it takes a lot of hard work and always to try to be the best you can be at whatever it is that you’re doing, no matter what it is in life.”
At the end of the day, the marching band at Godwin isn’t just about playing music or learning drill; it’s about the experience of belonging to something bigger.
From the nervous first days to the bittersweet final performances, the band becomes a second home for many. It teaches them how to work hard, lean on one another, and take pride in what they have created together.
And long after high school ends, it’s the laughter, the friendships, and the feeling of being part of something special that they’ll remember most.
Godwin’s 2025-2026 show “THRONES” will be one of those lasting memories.
More Than Music: Leadership and Legacy in Godwin’s Marching Band
