Class of 2006, Chemistry
Major, Clarinet and Alto Sax Player
Hometown: Maynard, MA
Favorite Pep Tune: Hey Baby, Sweet Caroline, Gimme Some Lovin'
What type of band program were you in during high school? "My high school band was predominately a concert band. We played in the stands at football games and marched in the town parades, but our main focus was always concerts and music festivals. My first year we attempted a field show which consisted of three sets. We played one song at each set, but we didn't march and play at the same time. One of my best friends from high school was a year older than me and he came to Holy Cross and joined the band. When I decided to come to Holy Cross he insisted that I join the marching band and he reassured me that he had had no problem learning to march drill even though he hadn't done it before. The veteran marchers in the band were really encouraging and very helpful when it came time to learn drill. This year I was the drill coordinator and designed the field show. I came a long way from never marching drill before to writing the show."
What is your favorite thing about Marching/Pep here at Holy Cross? "My first thought when it came to answering this question was "How can I pick just one favorite thing about band?". My first response to this question would have to be that the people are my favorite thing about band. The band members and director are the friendliest and most welcoming people at Holy Cross. As an incoming first year I was amazed at how quickly I was able to bond and make close friendships with the people in band. In addition to being friendly they are some of the funniest people I have met. The mix of personalities in band make it so much fun. The band has become an extended family for me and when I look back at my four years here, the band memories are the first ones I think of and the ones I look back on most fondly.
My other favorite thing about band would be traveling to away games. It's a chance to see other colleges and spend more time with band members, getting to know people on the bus ride. It's so much fun to be a screaming, cheering, playing force supporting the Crusaders at an away game. I've even gotten to travel to the men's and women's NCAA basketball tournaments. The NCAA tournaments were an amazing experience and something that I'll remember for the rest of my life."
What made you join the Crusader Band and why did you decide to stay with it? "I really enjoyed my band experience in high school and I planned to continue in college. When my friend that had graduated a year before me told me how much he loved the Crusader Marching Band, I knew that I had to be a part of it. In fact he told me that I had no choice in the matter, I had to do band. He didn't have to argue with me, I came willingly and I'm very glad I did. I stayed in band because it was so much fun and I loved the people. I loved the way everyone was so warm and welcoming, just like family."
