The Delphi band has struggled with low numbers and lack of commitment in the past. However, this year there have been signs of significant improvement. The band has begun to show great promise and has proven their skill in multiple venues.
Being in the band requires an immense amount of effort. To be able to play all of the notes on an instrument is a task, but to truly feel and play music a musician must spend countless hours around it. DCHS musicians have become much more committed to this idea, and by simply comparing the progression of the band from middle school to high school, the change is evident. When the band first started out, it was a different type of playing than what it is now. The goal was to get through a song and try to play the right notes, but now it has become so much more. The players listen to each other and blend their notes together to create the sounds that the composers intended. They don’t just look at the music, they also look at the words and meanings of the songs.
DCHS band director, Mr. Jay Dennison, has implemented singing into the band classroom. Through singing it is possible to internalize the music, allowing a musician to alter the music to fit the song and understand how the composer intended it to sound. This also allows for better understanding of rhythm and high and low parts in songs.
The band is a full experience that features a marching band, a concert band, and a pep band. Each provides an entirely different setting. The marching band is more focused on order and being able to play while performing drills. They perform at football games and during parades. The concert band teaches more difficult music and focuses on understanding it. The songs are typically more mellow and intricate. Finally, the pep band features more hard rock music. It is an exciting arrangement, usually favoring the drumline; it is a chance for band members to show off their talents and have fun. The songs are generally easy to master, and music is not normally required.
The band has started to become a great part of the Delphi high school. It is stronger than ever and its talent continues to increase steadily. There is no doubt that in the near future, the band will be among the best in the area.
