Get to know SJO Senior Marching Band member Mallory Wagner

The competitions, going and spending the evening with my band family and meeting and befriending other bands is just such a rich experience

My favorite memory is spending the evening at a competition with my close friends and my girlfriend(who are also in band) and cheering together when we got awarded for our performance.

Honestly, all three shows I’ve done have been very unique and exciting in different ways. Although I think my favorite would have to be Turbo, our show this year, because I have such a built up skill and understanding that I really have the chance to just have fun with it.

My favorite costume has to be my freshman show, Decomposers, we wore powdered whigs(which we called ‘rats’ because of how messy they were at by end of the season) and red tailcoats. I definitely felt silly in the get up but being able to laugh at ourselves and each other made it just that much more enjoyable.

I think the biggest misconception would have to be that it doesn’t take much work. When I tell you marching band is the hardest thing I’ve done, I mean it(and I’ve done a lot of hard things) the physical and mental focus it takes to learn and perform the show as perfect as you can, is nearly impossible. Especially when you factor in the extremely hot and cold weather experienced throughout the season. But in the end, you always feel so proud and accomplished.