It’s half time at a football game and everyone starts cheering when the colored silks start going up in the air, the drums roll, and the horns blow. We know it’s time for the Million Dollar Band to perform.

The Million Dollar Band, which currently has 95 members, is made up different sections: the winds which are divided into woodwinds and brass; percussion which is divided into the pit and the drumline; and the colorguard which is divided into the Majorettes and Stingarettes.

Outside of the band room doors, it may seem like playing an instrument or spinning a flag is easy, but these activities require a lot of talent and practice. Like any activity at Miami High, being in the band consumes a lot of members’ free time to get better each day.

Majorette captain Gabriela Rodriguez said time management is the most challenging part of being part of the colorguard. Drum Major Jailenes Marante said that the most challenging part of being in the band is dealing with the people. “Not everybody, but the minority of them, give attitude in practice,” she said.  Sophomore Helen Neyra said, “Being in colorguard, the hardest part is memorizing everything and having your instructor yell at you 24/7.”

The leaders  of the different sections in the band might yell at their members, but  they have important jobs to do.  Stingarette captain Tanahiry Gonzalez said, “A captain’s role is to bring the members together and discipline them and make sure they stay focused and motivate one another. When you become captain, you begin to realize that you have to be the leader and set the example. Being a captain isn’t easy but it is worth it; it’s all a learning experience.”

Drill master Hector Paiz said, “I am in control of the drill on the field, and I teach the new and old members of the band how to improve on their marching. I am basically like the director of the marching band.”

Jailenes Marante added, “I have to be on top of everyone, make sure everyone is on task 24/7, including Turros.”

Band director Mr. Turros said that what he enjoys the most about teaching band is the camaraderie of all the members, their friendship, and how they work together to achieve a goal. He also enjoys seeing them all progress, from coming in not knowing much, to leaving achieving a lot. He enjoys seeing them do good in competitions or performance because it reminds him when he was once in their shoes, when he would compete and get the same excitement.

A professional musician himself, Mr. Turros enjoys playing his own instrument with the band. “It’s not common for band directors to play with their students, but I really really like it. I like playing. I still do it with a professional band here in Miami called ‘Suenalo’ and I really hope that students do too,” he said.   Photo By Deborah Roncallo