When spectators view the Panther Marching Band’s field show at the football game next weekend, they may notice the whole band working as one cohesive unit. What they may not realize is that flow as a whole would not be possible without the dedication of the section leaders.

A section leader is an individual who oversees his or her particular instrument. They work within that section to improve on things that would be difficult with the whole band.

Obtaining this position is no easy feat. Hopeful candidates must go through an interview with the band’s director Barry Houser.

Lisa Garza, a junior music education major mellophone player and first year section leader, said Houser takes into account the candidate’s leadership and musical abilities.

During the three weekly practices, Houser allots around 30 minutes of the two hours for sectional meetings. In these meetings, each section works on its music, memorization and choreography separately.

Hannah Vacey, a senior kinesiology and sports studies major and first year piccolo section leader, strives to work on fitting her section’s sound into the band’s sound as a whole.

“During sectionals, we put all of the parts together,” said Phil Maro, a senior music education major and second year trumpet section leader.

“We work on the overall product with the music, marching and drill.”

Even though the band is broken down into sections, Houser said there are no cliques within the band and everyone gets along well.

“At camp, the members hang out with their individual sections, but later they are integrated into the mainstream and (everyone) hangs out together,” Houser said.

The section leaders unanimously echoed his sentiment.

“Everyone is really good friends,” Maro said. “We are a team, and we could even be considered a family.”

Being part of the band also proved to be beneficial for incoming freshmen hoping to make friends.

“Our freshmen all hang out together a lot this year, which we think is awesome,” Vacey said. “They will be able to go through school together now.”

Although the band is a close-knit group, there are still friendly rivalries.

“There may be a rivalry between the mellophones and woodwinds, but it’s very mellow,” Gazra said.

The section leaders all have goals they wish to accomplish this season.

“I want to become better friends and musicians,” said Travis Heaton, a senior music education major and third year trombone section leader. “I want our section to have fun.”

The leaders also have goals specific to their section’s sound.

“My section’s not the biggest, but I want it to sound like we are. I want to create the largest and fullest sound possible,” Maro said.

The section leaders are quick to identify their favorite part about being in a part of band.

“My favorite thing about band is helping any way that I can,” Vacey said. “This is really a family and I love every minute of it.

Putting a show that we worked so hard for on the field in front of thousands of fans is the best feeling.”

Sara Hall can be reached at [email protected] or

581-7944