By Amelia Rogers-Neubarth

   Grace Elian is a senior in the Ponte Vedra Ocean of Sound marching band. She ran for percussion captain junior year and has now remained captain for two of her four years in the band. She wanted to become captain “to help boost the social aspect of the band as well as the student motivation and it was successful.” She is also an overall band captain and one of the percussions section captains. 

   Grace has played all instruments in the drum line throughout her four years. Her freshman year she marched the bass drum, followed by her sophomore and junior years on the tenors. For her final year she marched the snare drum. She was convinced to do marching band in high school by seeing current marching band students come to her middle school and play for them. Specifically, the drum-line stood out to her and, “I knew I wanted to be a part of it.” 

    Grace’s favorite season was her sophomore year with the marching show entitled Gogh On. It was her favorite show because she got to play the tenors upside down for a big feature. “This experience was so much fun and very nerve racking every show because it was a big moment. All the blood would rush to my head being upside down but the crowd cheering at this moment was such a good feeling.” This show was able to place third at the states competition making it a memorable year for Grace. 

    Being a captain of the band plus the individual percussion section requires a lot of hard work and responsibility. Especially since marching band requires a lot of rehearsal time. There would be practice 2-3 times a week with competitions just about every Saturday in October. The balancing of school and band aspect is a lot of hard work. “With this I value the free time that I do have. I often would be up late after practice doing work and waking up early to finish and study.” Grace tries to devote four hours a week to practicing her music.  

    Grace’s favorite part about being a captain is getting to accept awards at retreat which is a marching band awards ceremony at the end of competitions.” The band in its entirety is such a fun group to be a part of with my friends that I have made through this program being the best part.”