In the history of the Deer Park High School band, there is one specific event that shapes the future of the organization. One night, one game, one moment that, even though it seems short, will remain in the hearts of the future All-State performers. It all starts with a night known as Mass Band.
Mass Band is an annual event that occurs at one home game each year. This event consists of a joint halftime performance between the high school band and all of the junior high bands. They march onto the field following the Deer Escorts’ performance and play a medley of songs chosen before the school year begins. This year’s selection of songs includes Shake It Off by Taylor Swift, My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light ‘Em Up) by Fall Out Boy, and KernKraft 400 by Zombie Nation.
Mass Band, as well as barbeque fundraisers and other small events, are used as a sort of recruitment technique. Through these events, the junior high students get a taste of what to expect when they join high school band. It is also an event that the junior high students often spend months anticipating and practicing to be a high school band member for one night.
“I remember when I was a kid, I was always excited for Mass Band because I could be like ‘I get to go play with the high school’,” said trumpet section leader Damian Valdes.
The Mass Band performance will take place during the Beaumont Westbrook football game on October 9th during halftime. The high school band will then perform their UIL competition show, Simple Gifts, post game in preparation for their UIL Competition on Saturday, October 17th.