Without the University of Wyoming’s fall athletic season, the Western Thunder Marching Band (WTMB) has had to exchange their regular practice routines for online instruction.
Dr. Joseph Carver, the Director of the Western Thunder Marching Band, said, “we have set up online modules for the marching band so that we can still be productive during this time of virtual instruction.”
Along with the online instruction, Dr. Carver has ensured that the WTMB stays connected via messaging services.
“We began by grouping the band by instrument so that they can get to know one another. We have held daily meetings on Zoom as well as kept in contact on other group messaging services,” said Dr. Carver.
He continued and said that building a community from an ever-changing group of musicians all working towards the same goal is still a top priority for the WTMB.
“This has been a challenge to accomplish virtually, but our leaders within the band are doing a tremendous job of making Western Thunder a group with a great sense of belonging,” said Dr. Carver.
In a similar sentiment, Torin Perrett, a senior at UWYO and the head Alto Saxophone Section Leader in the WTMB, said, “through our tight bonds and love for the culture, I think we’re just trying to make sure the program survives by making WTMB a safe space for people to come and share grievances and help support one another.”
“No one supports the athletic department or displays true school pride more than the band. Ensuring that it survives this calamity is integral to school spirit,” said Perrett
Even with the steps that are being taken to ensure a sense of normalcy, there are still roadblocks. For Perrett, a student who has been in the marching band for four years, these roadblocks are more than just bumps in the road.
“Having our career with WTMB end this way is a true tragedy. The people in the band are my best friends that I’ve spent countless hours with that have become my family,” said Perrett.
“Having to say goodbye through a zoom or Skype call is going to be a ludicrously hard endeavor,” said Perrett.
Dr. Carver said, “we are still about a month away from being able to hold in person meetings and as we have seen with this pandemic, a lot can change in that time. I hope that we can entertain our fans sometime this fall but we will have to wait and see. I know everyone is dying to hear the Beer Song and sing along to Cowboy Joe. Believe me, our band can’t wait for the green light to play those again.”
