How do Delegates Manage their Time in Band?

The American Legion Buckeye Boys State (ALBBS) band, now composed of both a traditional concert band and string instruments, is a great time commitment: musicians practice twice a day and perform at evening assemblies.

Since members of the band still must comply with the ALBBS promise that everyone will have a job, their schedules can easily become more hectic.

Ashwin Van Brugden, a delegate from Pennell City, holds an especially busy schedule, as in addition to being in the band, he holds a full-time position in the bank and a part-time position on the school board.

When asked why he chose to perform in the band, he explained that he needs to keep practicing because he has to perform in his school’s marching band in July, and he also simply exclaimed, “I really enjoy band.”

When asked how managing his schedule on Wednesday, the first full working day at ALBBS, has been, Van Brugden answered, “I don’t have a ton of work that goes outside, other than being on the school board. The bank opened at 1, so it was after band rehearsal.” Since the bank will be open in the morning during all of the upcoming work days, his time management may become more complicated. 

The ALBBS band would not fulfill its true purpose if musicians were not satisfied with their experience playing in it. When asked if he feels as if the band has either taken away from or enhanced his Boys State experience, Van Brugden replied, “I honestly think it made it even better.” He later added, “The fact that we’re going to be playing for the governor’s inauguration is really cool.” 

Despite the ALBBS Band being a large time commitment, the consensus seems to be that the time spent playing in the band is fruitful, and delegates should be encouraged to participate.