MHS Marching Band

About three weeks ago, our school's marching band wrapped up their extraordinary season, medaling third at Championships! The following interviews consist of three different perspectives of the 2024 Moorpark Marching Band Season, each asking the same four questions, but with the interviewee giving their own vibrant and detailed account. 

The first person I interviewed was the marching director of this season, Mr. Upchurch. Below is our interview. 

What do you think made this particular show singular among the other shows Moorpark has done in the past?

"I think it's kind of uniqueness within the activity, especially with the shows we've done recently, it's much more modern take on the marching program and what we can be"

Were there any obstacles during this season, and if so, how did you face them? 

"Yeah, we had a bunch of challenges including weather, facility, even illnesses and the wildfires," he explained, addressing the recent wildfires in Camarillo, which temporarily halted their outdoor practices, he continued "but as far as pushing through, all the kids always showed up willing to work."

What would you say is the most memorable moment from this season for you?  

He was silent for a moment before deciding on his answer, sharing that, "Honestly I think it was seeing their faces after the very first performance, when they all realized all the hard work and time they put into this, had finally paid off." 

What are you looking forward to for next season?

"Just building on what we've worked on and continuing to grow the program  not only in numbers, but also in maturity and skill level and developing what we have to offer." 

Following Mr. Upchurch, I interviewed Emma Smith, the Junior drum major of the marching band at our school. 

What do you think made this particular show singular among the other shows Moorpark has done in the past?

“I think it is more abstract than other shows, and because of that members had to go a little deeper on their performance, and they kind of had to create their own connection to the show."

Were there any obstacles during this season, and if so, how did you face them? 

" I think the big change in staff was difficult, like the change in directors last year, and just this year's kids becoming accustomed to the culture."

What would you say is the most memorable moment from this season for you? 

Opposite to Mr. Upchurch, the answer to this question came instantly to Emma. “The last performance at champs because we were one of the latest [performances] so it was cold and dark, it was raining" she explained, acknowledging the challenges they faced, and how nevertheless, that "everyone really tried their hardest."

What are you looking forward to for next season?

“I'm looking forward to seeing growth, seeing incoming freshmen or just people in general, and seeing the kind of direction and the energy that follows with every performance again." 

My last interviewee was Aaliyah Arias, a Freshman member of the marching band, brand new to the program. 

What do you think made this particular show singular among the other shows Moorpark has done in the past?

“I would like it to be more esoteric compared to other years," she elaborated, " meaning that it has a more conceptual art form than before." 

Were there any obstacles during this season, and if so, how did you face them? 

“So time-management was a huge issue in the beginning and trying to balance mb with school, but over time I started to get better handle of everything and in the end I was able to manage both things [school and marching band] which I think was a helpful lesson gained in life” 

What would you say is the most memorable moment from this season for you? 

“Sounds of Conejo, which was our first public performance and the first time we got to play and hear other bands perform. We also got to meet many new people.” 

What are you looking forward to for next season?

“I'm looking forward to getting to perform on the field again," she beamed optimistically, "and meet more people who have the same interests as me and love music.” 

Although these three interviews display unique viewpoints, something in common with all of them is the transparent love and dedication  for music and marching band that all three of these people have.