To join Verrado High School’s band is to make an enormous commitment. Members have to sacrifice a great deal of time, effort, and energy for every practice. Staying late after school, traveling to different schools to perform, and practicing tirelessly all while maintaining school spirit takes an immense toll on the players’ morale and motivation.

Because of these challenges, Viper musicians have a hard time balancing the other elements of their lives, specifically when it comes to schoolwork.

Junior and baritone player Rei Cassidy states, “It is really hard to lace all of my schoolwork with my band schedule. I’m almost always doing things after school, and I get home at the late hours of the night. But eventually, I found a balance. I try my best to get work done during school and before practices. And then the days I don’t have practice, I knock out all of my work after school!”

Clarinet player Natalie Eng adds, “The school work, band, and life balance is an ambitious dream; it’s one thing to be ambitious but it’s another being able to see it through and know how to reach your goals. My workload consists of many other things than band, such as my 3 AP classes and vigorous West-Mec course.”

Despite her busy schedule, Natalie also has her ways of staying on top of things.

“The main way I combat this is doing most of my homework before practice, from 3:10 to 4:50…being organized is a must. I make sure to plan a week so I know what needs to get done in that period.”

When band players stay organized and squeeze in work time whenever they’re free, it makes for a much less stressful life and allows them to maintain good grades.

Rei and Natalie both agree that despite being a part of the band while needing to do homework and school assignments is incredibly difficult, it’s still worth it.

“I get to meet so many new people and bond with others who have the same interests as me,” says Eng. “We have a shared experience of the band, giving us something in common that leads to great long-lasting friendships. Even though we aren’t given as much time to do schoolwork, we still find ways. That way we can both have high GPAs and form strong relationships. It makes it all worth it.”

Rei builds on this idea, adding, “The community gives us a sense of belonging. Besides, band members equal free tutors! Some of my friends are good at the things I struggle with. You get to gain new skills both from the instruments you are learning to play and the classes you are getting help from fellow band members all at the same time.”

The Verrado Vipers band persists through these challenges they face, placing 2nd in their division and 1st in Auxillary for Guard. Even now, they are performing the halftime show for the big homecoming football game tonight!

Come support these hard-working musicians tonight at the game, considering the grit they have given to be there and to play their hearts away!