You’ve all seen the marching band perform at football games, heard of their performances, whether they place first, second, or third, you’ve all heard of or seen them at some point. However, what you see on the surface is just a finished product. I went to the head honcho of the band himself, Mr. Karos, and had an interview with him about what it takes to be Tuscarora Instrumental Marching Band.

Q: First and foremost, what does it take to be Tuscarora Band, what does it do you need from the students to create what you do?

A: The kids have to be willing to work, and work hard, y’know, and it takes discipline. They also have to be dedicated in what they do otherwise I can’t do much.

Q: To you, what does it mean to be a band?

A: If the students are working hard and they are working to achieve the goal of being in marching band, then they are a band. To me, if they are not doing this thing, then they are not a band.

Q: Moving away from the ‘what does it take’ aspect a bit, how large or small was the band when you started here 8 years ago?

A: when I started the band had 35 members. We are now 80 strong 8 years later.

Q: What do you think brought that growth?

A: Consistency for sure. Before I had come along, there were 3 different band directors in 4 years, and I’m the one that’s been around for the longest period of time consistently.

Q: What brings you joy in teaching band, and, more importantly, what inspired you to become a Music Ed. teacher?

A: I find joy when the kids I’m teaching realize that playing music isn’t just reading notes on a staff, or moving around as pawns on a football field, but when they realize the impact that what they are doing can have on those around them and when they realize what they are actually doing and what music is about. I actually became a Music Ed. teacher because of previous teachers I’ve had who have spurred me onward because I was strong in my field and the experiences I’ve had with past teachers.