Performing and visual arts programs are often overlooked and seen as a less important aspect of education. At Lamar, where it is mainly an academic and sports focused school, the arts programs are often not seen as relevant to a student’s experience. Dr. Heddy Lahmann, an assistant professor of international education at New York University, has investigated possible reasons for the decrease in spending on the arts in public schools. She explains how the lack of trained teachers, the challenge of teaching arts remotely, and ubiquitous standardized tests are causes for this reduced spending.  

In response to the rising budget cuts, Christian Moore, the band assistant director, was asked to leave this fall as a result of funding loss. Although the band program is not being completely cut, it is losing one of the two teachers who have added his own valuable musical knowledge and passion. Mr. Moore was invested in his students’ growth by teaching and helping them evolve their instrumental skills, no matter their skill level. Mr. Moore explained that in college, he learned all about different instruments. This has helped him teach every student the physical and musical skill of each unique instrument.  

Music has always inspired Mr. Moore to teach through getting to physically create sound and helping students find excitement and purpose in learning to play an instrument. “Music has always appealed to me because of getting to play something as opposed to listening to it,” says Mr. Moore. “Creating something has always been something very cool.  If I can help students in finding their passion for music in life, then that’s why I do it.” Mr. Moore emphasizes how he hopes band provides a good community for students where everyone can just forget about stress and worries and just play. “Building a culture that doesn’t focus on the bad things, we are all here. We all like music; we can all play and make a product. Ignore everything else that is going on around us, and let’s just play some music,” states Mr. Moore.  His goal for community has been shown through senior Neveah Brook, the clarinet captain. She expressed, “My friend group and I have been friends since freshman year. Now we are all seniors. That has been the best part of my journey — meeting new people.” 

However, the band community is not just about sharing the love for music, as the students have grown through their teamwork. Hana Suljkanovic, a freshman flute player, explains, “When one section is out of sorts, the whole team will suffer.” It is up to each section leader and captains to bring together their group through communication. Eden Miller, a junior trombone player, reemphasizes the idea of collaboration, as “learning how to get along with people better when [they] have opposing views and different ideas on how to do something is a very important teamwork skill.” 

Band is not just about working together — it is learning how to take initiative and lead. Ameera Machado was selected as a drum major in her sophomore year and had to grow into a leadership position where she had to take her own role and lead while being an underclassman. Now, as a junior, she has grown into a confident drum major.   

The long practices, games, UIL competitions, and investment of one’s own practice time are commitments that take time and work to get better. “I think marching band gets a bad rep because people think it is very easy, but it is actually not,” states Miller. “You must memorize your music, watch the drum major, and everyone else while holding a five-pound weight above your head for the duration of ten plus minutes. I wouldn’t call it a sport, but it is a strenuous physical activity, and it takes many, many hours of practice to learn how to do what we do,” 

The Lamar Band program is an arts program that has given significant experience for each student involved. They grow as a group during the fall marching season and grow individually during the UIL spring seasons as an ensemble and soloists.  They gain once-in-a-lifetime opportunities through their participation and growing their love for music. Mr. Moore hopes people see the value of band and music. “I strongly feel that music is just as important as a core subject. It is important to keep an eye and focus on music education.  For me, it’s just getting people to recognize the value of music,” says Mr. Moore.  As the marching season comes to a close, it is undeniable that the fine arts program has made a huge impact on students’ lives. The students not only improve tremendously, but they also build a close-knit community. From attending band camp to getting to perform on that football field, the memories they share with each other are for a lifetime.