Music was still coming from the Band Hall as usual but this tune sounded a little different. The high notes of the trumpet left a ringing in ears and the dynamics of pieces kept everyone at the edge of their seats. As the last note was played, the students clapped and cheered for the Prairie View Jazz Band.

“It was inspiring to watch them (Prairie View Jazz Band),” sophomore Vanessa Zuleta said. “It’s different when you’re in the audience and experience it in person.”

As part of the Memorandum of Understanding ceremony on Nov. 18 (see accompanying news story), band students had the chance to listen to Prairie View A&M University’s Jazz Band perform, during second period, in the Band Hall.

“It’s a great experience to hear music played on a collegian level and to see what (they have) to offer in terms of music programs,” Assistant Band Director Daniel Niemeyer said. “If you’re still interested in music you don’t have to major in it, you can join Jazz Band.”

Being on the other side, as an audience member, was a welcome experience for senior Isaac Galvin.

“Ever since I was little I knew that music was my passion,” he said. “The way it makes me feel, I know I want to do this for the rest of my life.”

The band played three pieces.

“I liked the sound and the music they (Jazz Band) played because they sounded really cool and loud,” Gavin said.

Head Band Director Eric Mullins said it was a great opportunity for his students to learn about their college options.

“It’s great to be able to make a personal connection and for them to hear that they can continue to do something they love in (the future),” he said.

After the set, band members were able to ask questions of the college students.

“I’d rather music be my passion so I can enjoy it the rest of my life instead of it having it to be my job and having to do it in order to pay for my bills,” Joe Toole III, who plays the tenor saxophone and is an engineering major, said.

He said before he found Jazz Band, he was going to quit.

“I tried to get out of it but I just loved music so much, I couldn’t stay away from it,” he said. “I joined (the band) because my true calling in life is music.”

Prairie View University’s Associate Band Director Ricardo Brown answered questions about the variety of ensembles.

“You learn how to play in these groups (ensembles) and you transfer it over to the marching band,” Brown said.

All five high school bands met at Newsom to see the entire Marching Storm band perform.
“I got to see a different type of band because I usually just see ours,” Galvin said. “I (was able) to see what other variety are out there.”

The Marching Storm is a show style band.

“They (Marching Storm) mostly played and danced to popular songs,” Zuleta said. “It was very different from what I’m use to seeing but it was great entertainment.”

Senior Mark Simmons said the stadium event gave him something to look forward to.

He said, “I really enjoy marching band (because) it gave me the best experiences in high school that I’ll never forget and I feel like band in college will be the same way for me.”