The Jamestown Marching Band

On Friday, November 7^th, the Jamestown Marching Band played at the last football game of the season. It was senior night for our Marching Eagles, and each was recognized and celebrated as they walked down the field, arm-in-arm with their loved ones. With marching band coming to an end, I asked some of the senior members of the band about their final year and the experiences they’ve had along the way. I spoke with Hope Mundy and Nora Iverson (Jamestown’s two drum majors) and a few other seniors. 

The most notable change for the JHS Marching Band this year has been the addition of our new band director, Mr. Baker. I asked Hope about this season and how the shift has been. “With the new band director, we didn’t really know what to expect coming in, but it’s been good.” Our other drum major, Nora, echoed this sentiment, “It’s always rough transitioning, but it’s only up from here!”

While the transition may not have been easy, members of the band are excited about its future. Grey, a senior in drum line shares his perspective, “I think the marching band is going to get better.” Recounting this year’s triumphs, Grey also mentioned, “The drum line specifically has been the best it’s been in all of my four years.” During this same conversation, I spoke with another senior member of the Jamestown drum line, Josiah Walston. Together, I asked them about the drum line this year and what has felt most important to them about this experience. “Because we’ve been together for at least two years, we have grown together.” Josiah speaks about the community he’s found in the marching band. Grey added, “I’ve really had a lot of fun with the people, and they’re weird and they’re kooky, but I like that and so am I.” 

With the role of drum major being so important to a marching band, I returned to speak with Nora and Hope about their auditions and what this position means to them. “I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to be drum major when I auditioned,” Hope recounts, “but then I auditioned and the part where I had to conduct the band, I was like, this is so fun, I want to do this.” Being drum major comes with a sharp learning curve too; band members go from playing an instrument and marching to standing in front of the band, conducting, and keeping the group together and on beat. “I think I’ve taught myself a lot.” Hope spoke about learning what worked best as the season progressed. 

Nora’s audition experience was similar, but since she began as a percussionist, the marching portion was new to her. “The only thing that I was nervous about was the marching. I had never marched before.” Nora also felt that she had learned a lot through being one of Jamestown’s drum majors this year, “I have gotten to be more patient with myself and with other people.” Leading a difficult task and with the switch of band directors, this season was unique, but Nora and Hope have done an incredible job of representing and leading our band. 

As I closed out my interviews, I wanted to ask both Hope and Nora what they had planned for the future and if music would play a part. Hope looks forward to attending a 4-year college or university to double major in accounting and Spanish. When I spoke with her about her future in music, she told me that wherever she ends up, she wants to join her school’s band and continue to play the flute. Nora plans to attend BYU and major in music. While she’s not exactly sure where she wants to go with it, she’s confident that her passion for music will provide her with a variety of opportunities. 

Written by: Margret Dabney

Edited by: Mathias Munoz Gonzalez, Harrison Davies