Two writers went in to the depths of the C hallway, risking their lives for a scoop on the band department. They were able to come out alive, with a rare interview from the band directors, Mr. Frederick and Mr. Maxwell, in tow.

Voyager:     How does the marching band prepare for shows? How long does it take to write up marches?

Frederick: Pregame takes the longest due to its complexity and the level of music. Over the summer, the amount of time I took on the shows was be 8-10 hours a day, usually.

Maxwell: There’s more consistent marching in pregame shows whereas the Half Time show focuses more on the music than the marching.

Voyager:    How many students are in all three bands?

Frederick: 187 smiling faces! (grins)

Voyager:     Where is your trip this year? How do you assist the students in affording such trips?

Frederick: New York City is where the band [and orchestra] is going this year. There are fundraisers throughout the year that help deduct the price of the trip. The band is doing many activities… including going on a tour of the Lincoln Center, free time in Times Square and Central Park, clinics for both orchestra and band, performances at the U.S.S. Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, attending two Broadway shows and an opera, a tour at the National September 11 Museum and Memorial, and much more.

Voyager:     What are some fundraisers that we expect to see this year for the band department?

Maxwell: The Mum Sale, Cheesecake Sale, Wreath Sale, Discount Card Sale, and Cookie Dough Sale.

Voyager:    Walk us through a typical day in band.

Maxwell: There’s no such thing as typical day in band.

Voyager:     What inspired you to become band directors?

Frederick: My love of music, acclaimed musicians, and experiences inside and outside Geneva High School.

Maxwell: Love of music and the opportunity to work with distinguished musicians.

Voyager:     What is your favorite part of being a band teacher?

Maxwell: The fame and glory.

Frederick: The students.

Voyager:     Give us a fun fact about yourselves.

Maxwell: My spirit animal is a lion.

Frederick: My spirit animal is a beaver, and I’m a huge Trekkie.

Voyager:     What is your pet peeve about each other?

Maxwell: Mr. Frederick is ooooooooooooooooooolddddddd.

Frederick: Mr. Maxwell is baldddddddddddddddddddddddd.

Clearly, there are many things going on in the band department this year. They work hard and go that extra mile to make football games, concerts, and the overall high school experience better. If you see a band director, tell him thank you for what he does!