Music to our ears

Music to our ears THE SAM HOUSTON MARCHING BAND: an inside(r) Look

As the 2019 SAISD football season comes to a close, so does the fall marching band season. Join Insider as we celebrate the end of the season with a photo essay featuring the Sam Houston High School Marching Band.

Bruce Adams, Sam Houston High School marching band director, seems more like a football coach with his no-nonsense expression. But he has been leading the Sam Houston marching band for the past 13 years.

"Music is the vehicle that we use to change lives," said Adams. "It is the carrot that we use to keep the students focused. Music charms the soul. It tames the most wildest of beasts."

Members of the band attend music practice in Sam Houston's band building. The group performed four different shows this year, including the UIL show titled "Girl Power," which featured songs including Whitney Houston's "I'm Every Woman," Patti LaBelle's "Lady Marmalade," and Chaka Khan's "I Feel For You."

The marching band practices four days a week, two hours each day. In addition, Adams implemented a mandatory study hall for 45 minutes each day to make sure the students stay on top of their school work.

"They are hungry for knowledge," said Adams. "I must do everything that I can to bring about success in their life. This isn't just about school. This is about changing lives for better futures. Oh, by the way, we learn music while doing it."

In addition to their football and competition performances, the Sam Houston marching band performs at their high school's pep rallies and other events around campus.

Sam Houston marching band drum major Donovan Hutchens, a senior, stands at attention during a pep rally earlier this semester.

The marching band plays for a school-wide pep rally in preparation for the Sam Houston football team's away game against Wagner High School.

Marching band members head to the football field for an afternoon practice.

This year's marching band was a bit smaller than previous years, but that doesn't matter, according to Adams.

"It's not the size of the dog," said Adams. "Rather, it's the size of the fight that's in the dog."

All of the hard work during practice culminates during competitions and at halftime during football games. This year, the marching band competed in two competitions, and performed at 11 football games.

The band performs at the Homecoming football game at Alamo Stadium. Songs included Earth, Wind, and Fire's "Let's Groove" and Heatwave's "Groove Line" and "Boogie Nights."

Congratulations on another marching band season, Sam Houston! Go Hurricanes!

A special think you to Assistant Directors TeAiris Majors, Marie Hernandez, and Khalil Deanda as well as Colorguard Instructor Nailah Mustafa.

Appreciate

Credits:

Deborah Silliman/San Antonio ISD Communications