From halftime shows to regional competitions, the Norwalk Marching Band bangs the drum – and other instruments as well – on behalf of Norwalk High School.
“One of the most fun things is competitions,” said trombonist Kyle Erickson. “Competition is a really good way to compete against other schools as well as show other schools what you’re capable of and also just see other schools and what shows they have.”
Keegan Johnson, alto saxophonist, a junior at Norwalk High School, said he has been a part of the marching band since middle school.
“I guess 8th grade year, they had their own marching band that did one show, so I guess 8th grade was my first experience,” he said.
Johnson said he first got involved with marching band because it is required if you are a part of concert band.
“It’s pretty fun, I’d say,” he said. “It’s not too bad. It’s not a lot of work. You just gotta show up early at school for practice.”
The marching band show this year was called “Kings of Keys.” It featured songs by popular musicians like Elton John, Billy Joel and Stevie Wonder.
Erickson, who is a senior at Norwalk High School, said he has been a part of the marching band since his freshman year.
“It’s definitely more of a mental perspective on marching band,” he said. “You have to be mentally locked in. I think if you aren’t locked, you can’t march and play and be in sync with everyone. Be mentally locked in what you’re doing and you should be fine.”
Erickson said he’s made lots of friends through marching band. He said it’s an activity that requires a lot of focus.
The Norwalk Marching Band went to three competitions this year, the most recent one being at Waukee High School.
“Puting what you worked so hard for on the field in performing in front of people is the most fun thing about marching band,” Erickson said. “Watching other people’s shows at Waukee was fun and also meeting new people there.”
