John Marshall High School: CA Music Band of the Week

MARSHALL COUNTY, W.Va. (WTRF) — Led by their veteran band director Tracey Filben, the John Marshall marching band is preparing for another year of sharing some outstanding performances with the entire community.

The band consists of 54 students that all have one thing in common and that is sharing their love for music and each other.

Leading the band out on the field this season will be senior Megan Gary who took a shot in the dark to become the band’s field commander.

”I started out like I never talked to anyone my freshman year, I was so scared. Like everyone, my teacher, just everything. And then my sophomore year, I was like, You know what? I think I’m going to do it because I feel like it would be a shock to everyone for me to do it and then I did it. So, I tried out and I got it.”

Megan Gary – Field Commander, Senior, John Marshall High School

As she enters her 22 ^nd year of directing the John Marshall Band, Tracey Filben says being able to see her students grow throughout their time in the high school is something she will always enjoy.

”I think I’m very fortunate because unlike so many other teachers with different classes that maybe they just teach like English nine and then those kids are gone. I get to see my kids come in as freshmen and make it all the way through their senior year. So, they grow and change a lot and have a lot of experiences, and we get to do that together.”

Tracey Filben – Band Director, John Marshall High School

Senior percussionist Joey Armstrong says the band has always felt like a second family to him. He says when you have a good leader in charge it makes it easier to enjoy the people around you.

”I’m really lucky, I guess, and grateful to have these people because they’re just the best at what they do and they care so much and that’s what really makes or breaks the difference because you could be great at something, but if you don’t care, then you’re not going to be able to teach people and that’s what makes her a great teacher, is that she just cares so much, same with Mr. Garrett. There’s just something about being here every day for hours with these people that really builds your relationship. A bond that you can’t break, I guess.”

Joey Armstrong – Percussionist, Senior, John Marshall High School

The John Marshall Band will feature a Lady Gaga themed show this year, and many band members say they can’t wait to show off their hard work.

Congratulations to the John Marshall Monarchs Band, this week’s Band of the Week!

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