Boys State Band Breaks Tradition, Welcoming New Members

Twice a day, after lunch and after dinner, Buckeye Boys State musicians gather at Millett Hall to rehearse. These musicians form a traditional concert band, comprised of brass, woodwind, and percussion sections. Notably, the ensemble typically lacks string instruments.

However, this week, the band has expanded on their repertoire. The ensemble warmly welcomed those playing string instruments, with several acoustic and non-acoustic string players joining the band.

Often, string ensembles and band ensembles, at least at the high-school level, are kept separate. Despite that, in order to gain new musical experiences, the abnormality has been embraced. As a result, the change has allowed two worlds, often left apart, to happily collide. 

Some of the first of their kind to play, two violinists and one electric bassist have been accepted into the band. During rehearsals, often short and fast-paced, musicians may learn up to six new songs in one sitting. The band plays a wide range of genres, ranging between traditional marches, pop, folk songs, and rock. During the evening program, also held in the Millett Hall, the prepared songs are then performed.

Electric bassist Adrian Collins, resident of Stockner City, has already gained fresh, new skills during the ensemble’s recent rehearsals. Playing for a little over a year, Collins’s involvement in his church led him to the electric bass. At the time, it was the only available spot in his church’s ensemble, and he was inspired to learn by the music of various bands, one being “Good Kid.” Collins notes that the band’s recent rehearsals have been “refreshing,” granted his involvement in non-concert ensembles, such as his own indie rock band, still in the process of forming. Moreover, the band has allowed him to delve into techniques known to hone musicianship, one being sightreading, the ability to perform a piece while knowing little about its rhythms, tonality, or phrasing. All in all, Collins’s musicianship, in the short time he has been with the band, has already begun to skyrocket. 

The string players are not limited in support either. Pennell City resident Dallas Paulette has played the Alto Saxophone since fifth grade. Coming from a school with a lesser advanced band, Paulette has enjoyed working with a “talent[ed]” ensemble like the band. 

Seated next to the violinists, Paulette finds the diversity in the ensemble “cool,” having never performed with string players before. Paulette’s comments highlight the fact that there is much to be gained from the string players’ presence despite having broken tradition. 

Ultimately, in the short time the band has rehearsed, both string players and non-string players have developed a mutual respect for one another. However, the connection between them is deeper than just respect. From the formidable National Emblem march to Walk the Moon’s “Shut Up and Dance With Me,” these musicians have gained a deeper understanding of true musicianship, which has allowed them to expand their horizons during their week at Boys State.