Grove City marching band senior commands the field, stage, and college prep courses

Grove City High School takes their marching band seriously. After a week of pre-band camp training in the summer, a week of actual band camp, and then a week of post band-camp training, the marching band members prepare for football Friday nights with continued in-school and evening rehearsals. In her third year in marching band, and her second year as a field commander, senior Abrielle MacConnel helps lead her peers on and off the field.

“We have to go around and make sure the sections are doing okay, warming up, and making sure everything goes smoothly,” shared MacConnell. “And conduct the band during performances.”

A marching band not only takes musical talent, but is physically demanding. At Grove City High School, marching band qualifies as a gym credit.

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“We do put in a lot of time, have in-school rehearsals, and when it’s hot, we feel the heat as well. There are a lot of physical and time commitment things,” said MacConnell.

MacConnell also serves as her marching band’s treasurer, is in her fourth year as a student council representative, participates as a freshman mentor, and plays oboe for both concert band and the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra. In the future, she hopes to play with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra after pursuing music performance and psychology degrees.

“So last year, I took a CCP college psychology course and it was really entertaining, and I liked it a lot,” explained MacConnell. “This year, I decided to take two more, and I find myself enjoying it a lot and want to learn more about psychology because I find it interesting.”

By the end of the year, MacConnell will have completed six college courses for credit, balanced with her extracurricular activities. The key to her success is making sure she prioritizes scheduling breaks, and plans time for fun things outside of school.

When asked how it feels to represent her school at both band competitions and on the football field, MacConnell said:

“It feels really good. I’m really proud of my band and how hard we all work. I am proud of being chosen to be a leader.”

To MacConnell, being a field commander means being “a friend to everyone, and always willing to help anyone who needs it.”

This is part of 614Now.com’s weekly student athlete feature. Know of an extraordinary high school athlete on and off the field? Nominate them by emailing editor@614now.com.

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