This episode, Jacob Canaday talks about his experience as a member of the West High Pep Band.

So I got started in band in elementary school. In fifth grade, administrators came from our middle school and talked about band and asked us questions about what instruments we would be interested in. I think I have stuck with band for such a long time because it is a great creative outlet, especially in school and at the beginning of the morning.

I love band because of the way a piece comes together, when everyone plays perfectly, when everyone is on the same vibration. It is a great thing. It’s kind of hard to explain if you’ve never experienced it before, but the beauty in band comes from when everyone is perfectly locked into a piece.

My most memorable accomplishment was in freshman year marching band. I grew so much in just the span of a few short months. When we performed at Band-O-Rama with very little mistakes, the crowd went wild for us. It was one of the most emotional moments I’ve ever experienced during my time in band. I was so ecstatic to know that I could be a part of something as great as high school marching band.

I feel as though band actively makes me a smarter person, and I am a firm believer in this. The way music challenges my brain and the muscle to mind connection is very healthy for me because I have been playing for such a long time. I am able to comprehend very complex pieces. It has helped me realize that if you stick with something, continue to push yourself and allow yourself to grow, you can become great at anything you put your mind to.

Getting involved has helped me a lot through navigating my high school life. It not only gave me a greater connection with my teachers, but also my coaches and other mentors in my life. Getting involved is a great thing because you have a wider net of support, and if you ever have an issue with something you are unfamiliar with, you will most likely have someone who you can go to and is willing to help you.

This episode was produced by Sophie Lopez DeLuna and Aubrey Winegarner on behalf of the Pioneer Press out of West High School. Music credit On Top by Grace McCoy and Waltz for Walter by Fleece Mob. For more pioneer news and updates, visit us at whsword.com or on Instagram at WW Pioneer Press.