Is Band a Sport?
posted by Westley Reaves Jr. | September 20, 2022 | In News, SportsWhen you think of band, do you think of it as a sport and those who participate as athletes? Fayetteville State University students have mixed responses.
Some students believe it’s more of an art form than a competitive sport, which takes a lot of work and dedication, both physically and mentally. However, members of the band view their activity differently.
Shawn McNeil, drum major of FSU’s Marching Broncos Xpress, stated, “I have been in band for more than fourteen years and I would have to agree that band is a sport.” He explained further: “Number one is the intense practice schedule, which is usually 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., and then there’s an hour break and then we practice 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. weekly.”
Their practices are held on campus at the Luther Jeralds Stadium.
When asked of the physical demands, McNeil said, “The physical side requires you to not only be able to play your instrument but march at the same time. It requires [you] to march countless number of minutes and dance and play at the same time. So, you must be physically fit, just like in any sport.”
The band also holds summer camps, much like traditional athletic teams, such as the football team. “We’re here more than the football team,” McNeil said, “And the thing about ‘is band a sport’ is that because there are different styles of marching—like core or high step—there’s more that goes into being part of the band than what people who see the ending product know.”
Much of what McNeil said was validated amongst other band members.
Kobyian Payne, the tuba section leader said, “Band is a sport because we have the same competitive nature as any other sport. We do a lot of workouts and conditioning because you must play your instrument and march at the same time.”
There is also a competitive factor to the band as they often play against rival schools and seek to be a step ahead them every game day.
Their academics are often put second as members are in the constant cycle of endless practice for the next event. Therefore, time management skills are imperative to balancing school and play, and it is not always easy to do.
However, members continue to join for the love of their instruments, the friendships they gain, and the HBCU legacy of which they become a part.
“If you look at other HBCUs, the band is the marquee of the university,” McNeil said, “It’s the biggest recruitment factor for a university, and one of the biggest student organizations on campus. The marching band is the staple. It’s the first thing people see when coming into a football stadium. Marching band brings stability to the university because of the recruitment factor, and you know that the band will be the face of the university, always.”
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