Members of the no-cut marching band begin the year with varying skill levels, from new marchers to veteran members, marching band visual director Elad Zohar said. Nonetheless, the band still manages to meet its high standards by choosing the right level of difficulty, supporting struggling individuals and adjusting the show depending on the band’s progress, Zohar said.  

Regardless of skill level, marching band teaches all students to improve their performance abilities, junior Vannya Hernandez said. 

“On Mondays, we have visuals where we learn how to march,” Hernandez said. “We also have time where instructors teach us and correct us. Mostly, the newer members are [learning] how to fix their posture.”

The marching band’s student leaders also play a key role in making new marchers feel welcome and supported, band and orchestra director John Burn said.

“Student leadership has several meetings before the first time we meet with new marchers,” Burn said. “We encourage and inspire and don’t give up on anybody. I think that is why when a freshman or a new student does marching band, it makes them feel part of Homestead in a broad sense.”

For Hernandez, coming into marching band with limited playing skills was intimidating. However, with help from her understanding section mates, as well as consistent practice, Hernandez said she was able to become more familiar with her instrument and learn the ropes of marching. Ultimately, this encouraging environment keeps members motivated to give the sport their all, Hernandez said.

“People are always pushing [less-driven members],” Hernandez said. “Even if they're tired from schoolwork or exams, or if they're stressed, they always push through [to succeed].” 

Even though the no-cut policy increases the size of the band and gets them into more prestigious divisions, some problems can arise when undedicated people join, which brings down the quality of the band, baritone student leader sophomore Catherine Li said.

While the marching band could be more competitive with tryouts, being no-cut allows for people to explore what the marching band has to offer, without having to worry about their initial expertise, Zohar said. 

“[Band is a place] to improve and to give yourself an opportunity and space to just get better without feeling pressure,” Zohar said. “The point of this ensemble in particular is to show anyone that they can accomplish something if they're willing to put in the time and effort.”