By Derrick Smith

There is more to being in a marching band than just playing an instrument. There is a lot of walking, memorizing where to march, and making sure your body is ready. Michelle Harris is a member of the Jones High School marching band and says that being a part of the band has given her a lot of great memories and experiences.

“My favorite memories are from the bus rides to and from games and events,” she said. “So many fun things happen on the bus rides that the whole group loves. Things like group sing-alongs, storytelling, and just spending time with the band I now consider my extended family.”

Harris is a senior and is in her seventh season of being a member of the school band where she plays the flute. She says that while she has had a lot of influences in her life, her band director is one of the people that has had the biggest impact on her life.

“Mr. Robbins is an influence on my life for a number of reasons,” he said. “He teaches us so much more than just band. He is willing to listen to us rant about anything and everything. He always does his best to help us find the answers to our problems.”

Along with playing in the band, Harris is also a member of the Book Club, Key Club, and the Gay Straight Alliance. 

Jacob Robbins, Jones’ band director, says that Harris is a hard worker and a great example for the younger students. 

“Michelle has always been driven,” he said. “She works tirelessly mastering her parts for band, solos, and honor band audition music as well as attending to and excelling at her studies. She is also an amazing leader. The younger students flock to her and she is always ready to help them with music or with life. They look to her as both a mentor and a role model in and out of the band. Our program here in Jones owes her a debt of gratitude for all of her hard work and dedication. While I know she will be wildly successful at whatever she chooses to pursue after high school, we will certainly miss having her be a part of our organization.”