Being Part of the Screaming Eagles Band

by Jasmine Embrick

Photo by Mr. John Smallwood, Career Center Photography Teacher.

The roar of the crowd in the stands filled the air, yet it still seemed to fade into the background. All that could be heard were the heavy breaths of anticipation, everyone waiting for the cue to begin.  

Standing at attention, more than a hundred students in green, black, and silver faced the crowd. Three, in particular, stood tall atop podiums, shining white plumes slightly waving in the wind.  

Abruptly, the hands of the drum majors rose and swung in precise movements, and the lights flashed on the brass and polished wood as the instruments were placed in their starting set positions. 

The band began to play.

Photo by Jasmine Embrick. (L to R): Mr. Rollins, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Young. 

A high school’s band can be an incredible experience for students, especially for those at Ellison H.S. The three Ellison band directors, Jeffrey Smith, Timothy Young, and Jacob Rollins can all easily be considered inspirations for the group, as many students all seem to love being in the band. Each member also seems to have learned valuable life lessons from participating. 

“I’ve learned that many people with many different personalities can come together and create something magical and pleasing to the ear, most of the time.” said Tyrese Wring, a senior and trombone soloist of this year's marching show.

Adolescents can be known to be impressionable, and so being a part of a group and working together towards a common goal can really help to increase one’s diligence and perseverance.

“A lot of students love it (band), and they learn discipline and to make goals.” said Mr. Jeffrey Smith, the head band director. 

The directors seem to love band just as much as the students do, and they make it rather clear in the way they teach their classes. It also appears joining the high school band encouraged them to continue their career in music. 

“I wanted to become a director because of being in band and playing.” said Mr. Smith.

“I took music theory, but I was going to be an accountant.” said Mr. Young. 

“I became a band director because when I was a junior, I looked around and realized that what I really enjoyed was band.” said Mr. Rollins.  

So far, this year has been rather successful for the band, as they received high enough scores in the marching UIL to compete in the finals. The wind ensemble has already performed a concert, playing for the veterans of this country. The entire band is looking forward to the Christmas parade this Saturday,  8th  of December, and the Holiday concert on the  13th. They will also be working hard to do well in concert UIL.