After three years of COVID-related cancellations, on Feb. 6 Grosse Pointe South’s band held its Pre-Festival concert in Pierce’s auditorium. This concert is a great opportunity for seniors to display their skills in a collection of solos throughout the show.

For seniors like Sam White ’23, this moment was one that has been long awaited since his freshman year. “I’ve always loved the senior show because it’s a time for the seniors to play their solos,” White said. “It’s good recognition for people who are usually hidden in a 60 person band.”

Leaving a legacy is something that is important to Jai Lauren Dearing, being one of three players in the band that play the Oboe.

“I’ve been in a one ensemble since my freshman year,” Dearing said. “So being able to leave something behind for my section is very important to me.”

Playing for an audience is more crucial than one might think for the members of the band.

“One of the biggest things for me is playing for an audience,” White said. “When I’m surrounded by the members of the audience it makes the experience even better.”

Growing up in the music world has its ups and downs, but looking back in the end Dearing would say the benefits outweigh the negatives.

“For music students there are all types of things like having a higher GPA, and travel opportunities,” Dearing said. “I would say that there are just opportunities in music that you can’t find anywhere else.”

When it comes to students who aren’t seniors, performing in the show can create excitement for the moment they are the soloists.

“I’m looking forward to showing off everything I’ve learned in the past so years participating in band,” Audrey Larson ’24 said. “I’m also happy that my classmates are able to show off their talents.”