Sabrina Ochs

I participated in pit orchestra for two of my school's spring musicals: Cinderella, and Seussical. Practices were sparse, so much outside work was necessary to have a successful rehearsal.

Marching band is a multifaceted activity that requires cooperation, time management, and commitment. A large range of skills is needed to produce a good show. The Sound Of Geneseo (TSOG) frequently won competition in classes 2A-4A in 3 of the 4 years I participated (Covid caused competitions to halt my sophomore year). Competitions involved competitive parades, as well as large, interscholastic events alongside larger schools. TSOG typically earned scores in the high 80s to 90s, frequently winning 1st place, best drumline, best drum major, and best color guard in our class, among other awards. We also won overall championships at Western Illinois University in 2019 and 2022, as well as Govenor's Grand Champions at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2021. *Please note for the videos attached that the band suffered a change of leadership between 2020 and 2021 due to the retirement of our director. Apologies for the decrease in quality. ** I could not find a video for the 2021 season.

Taken as a class, band required frequent external practice as well as events outside of the school day. I had to learn not only an instrument, but how to properly balance in an ensemble and work well with those around me to make something truly beautiful. *A note that I started concert band in the summer before 6th grade and continue it at Monmouth College.