Freshman Vandal Marching Band member Emily Branham was first introduced to playing music at a very young age at her arts-oriented elementary school in Detroit, Michigan. She began playing the flute in fifth grade. However, Branham said it wasn’t until many years later that she grew to love the instrument and, when that day came, it changed her whole life.
Branham learned how to march at Kuna High School during her freshman year of high school. She now attributes her passion for music to that year of marching at Kuna and her band teacher there.
“Until ninth grade, I was horrible. I didn’t know how to play or correctly read music until my teacher told me, with all of the kindness he could, that I was really bad,” Branham said. “Being told how much I was lacking sparked in my heart determination to get better. I found myself practicing every day and began to enjoy the act of making music.”
When Branham discovered the town and the new high school she would attend sophomore year did not have a marching band, she said she was disappointed and felt she would lose her passion for marching band forever.
“During high school, I continued flute, began playing the piccolo, and took a steel pans course which I enjoyed, but Sandpoint didn’t have a marching band,” Branham said. “I was so sad to hear that I couldn’t do something I loved so much but I constantly looked forward to it in college which ultimately became a playful joke within the band.”
Upon moving to Sandpoint her sophomore year, Branham was named to a first chair position in band and held that position throughout the rest of high school. The Sandpoint High School band traveled to San Francisco, Calif. last year to perform in a national competition and was awarded first place, an accomplishment Branham says is one of the major highlights from her high school years.
According to Branham, the Vandal Marching Band was a key factor in her deciding to attend the University of Idaho. Currently, Branham plays the flute in the marching band but hopes to start playing the piccolo again as well.
“Now that I’m in marching band again after three years without, it was the most wonderful feeling to take my first steps onto the field again and it continues to be the highlight of the night at every game,” Branham said. “I love seeing my friends in the stands, as well as all the other people who enjoy and support the band.”
Branham also said during her two moves during high school, she found a home and a family in the band.
“Everywhere I have moved to, the band kids were where I found my niche, especially here at the University of Idaho,” Branham said. “Moving away from my family was extremely difficult for me, but my flute section and many others in the band who I’ve met have made the transition into college so much easier. I have a lot of upperclassmen who help me out during games and hang out with me outside of band, which I’m really grateful for.”
One band member Branham considers a friend and mentor is the head of the flute section, Molly Freeney. Freeney said having new band members who listen to direction well and practice at home is a crucial aspect of the band’s inner-workings.
“Sometimes we have very little time to explain a lot of logistics, movements or information, so that listening is really helpful,” Freeney said. “Emily has been an awesome member since the first day of band camp. She listens and follows directions, isn’t afraid to ask questions and always has a positive attitude even when things get crazy.”
Elizabeth Marshall can be reached at [email protected]