This year, the junior high band program brought together a whopping 92 young musicians, and for director Erik Hermanson, seeing the program start out modestly but grow to reach such an elevated number feels like a full-circle moment.
“In my first season, there were only 19 kids in the 9th through 12th-grade group combined. This is my 33rd year teaching, and it’s a new record.”
While the current roster is massive, Hermanson points out that the surge is less about a change in participation rates and more about a wave of incoming students.
“I knew how big the band would be because they were all in band last year, just in different groups. We still have the same percentage we have had in past years. It is just the bigger class sizes of the entire grade.”
But managing nearly a hundred young musicians in one classroom is difficult, especially when they have different skill levels, Hermanson said.
“That is the biggest challenge. We have some players who are at a beginner level and some kids who could easily play in any of the senior high bands in our surrounding area.”
But having an updated band room in the new school addition makes handling a massive ensemble much easier than it used to be.
“We had 120 kids in one band in the old room, so it can be done,” Hermanson said. “But now it is safer and way more efficient, organized and fun because of our awesome band room."
Despite the daily challenges of keeping 92 seventh and eighth graders on the same bar of music, their excitement is unmatched.
“The highlight is being around all of these incredible kids and feeding off their energy,” Hermanson said. “The hardest part is that sometimes I don't feel that each student is getting the individualized attention that he or she deserves.”
Still, anticipation is high as the ensemble prepares to change up their regular tunes, shifting to high-energy game-day songs.
“I am excited for them to start working on the pep band music for winter,” Hermanson said. “They are going to rock it.”
For student musicians sitting in the brass section, the size of this year’s ensemble adds a whole new level of motivation to daily practice.
Student perspective: Elijah Johnson
Eighth-grade trombone player Elijah Johnson was drawn to his instrument early on simply out of curiosity.
"I picked brass because I thought brass instruments, specifically trombones, were the most interesting," Johnson shared. "I am really glad I picked the trombone as it’s super fun to play.”
Of course, mastering the trombone came with its own learning curve.
“The hardest part for me was learning the slide positions for each note. When I started, they were really confusing, and I sometimes would mess them up,” Johnson explained. “But now, I’ve learned them all thanks to Mr. Hermanson.”
When Johnson walked into rehearsal on day one, the nearly a hundred classmates were immediately impressive.
“I first thought that it was going to be so much more crowded this year, which it definitely is,” he said. “The second thing I thought is that there was no way everyone was going to be quiet when we’re not playing, and that is also definitely true.”
Despite the extra voices and filled classroom, playing alongside an enormous section offers a strong sense of security when performing, said Johnson, whose parents, Lacee and Kevin, have made careers out of music.
“Personally, I would say I am a pretty confident player already, but having more people definitely helps. Then you don't have to worry so much about making mistakes.”
And for anyone on the fence about picking up an instrument next year, Johnson offered a simple message:
“Go for it. Since 6th grade, band has been my favorite part of school. It would always be nice to have someone join, even if there are already a lot of kids.”
Though thoroughly enjoying being a part of the trombone section, he admitted there is one other instrument he wouldn't mind trying out for a day.
"I have always thought saxophone was pretty cool. After trombone, saxophone would've been my second pick."
Student perspective: Brooklyn Berg
For 7th grader Brooklyn Berg, a saxophone was her choice; it was the right instrument for her.
“I picked a woodwind because I think it is unique compared to others,” Berg shared, “and we already have a very good brass section.”
Playing saxophone, Berg has quickly found favorite pieces that show off what the group can do, especially high-energy songs like Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train.”
“It is such a fun beat, and my grade and I can nail it,” she said.
But staying in sync in a section with so many musicians playing fast melodies requires the band to rely heavily on teamwork, Berg said.
“We sit close together and all play fairly quietly to all harmonize. If everyone plays the same note, we start to sound in sync.”
That sense of teamwork pays off when the entire 92-member band plays as one, and for Berg, mastering a brand-new song together is the most rewarding part of the experience.
“When I play my sax, I think it sounds so good when I play a song that I’m not very familiar with and play all the right notes,” she said. "When the whole band does the same, it’s a great feeling to know that we have all accomplished something new.”
Berg also gives credit to Hermanson for keeping the large rehearsals inspiring.
“I think the most exciting thing about being in band is having an amazing conductor. Also, it is so fun to hear the whole band play together because it sounds awesome.”
For any younger students who might feel nervous about picking up a woodwind instrument for the first time, Berg gave some advice.
"Practice a lot, but also don't think you can be perfect right away. Nobody is good once they start. It takes a lot of repetition. Be teachable, listen to tips, and pay attention.”
Since the start of the school year, the band has been putting in the work. Hermanson rotates through group lessons section by section so each group gets the practice they need. With his steady guidance, he helps his students build confidence with their instruments and proves that 92 musicians can truly play as one.
Above: The Junior High Band performed to an audience for the first time today at the Veteran's Day program.
Elijah Johnson as a member of the pep band.
Brooklyn Berg as a member of the Sixth-Grade band during its concert last spring.