Daily Lobo: Can you describe what it feels like standing in front of that huge wall of sound during halftime?
Chad Simons: It's a lot of fun. It's loud, and it can be really exciting. It has the potential to really create a huge reaction from the people who are watching, and that's what we strive to do. It's just a ton of fun. As long is it's not raining.
DL: Can you talk a bit about the relationship between movement and music when the band is out there on the field?
CS: Moving to music is something that's completely natural to human beings, so it's not a huge leap, then, to go from moving one body to moving 170 bodies and making forms on the field that reflect the intent of the music. For instance, soft, lyrical music will have round forms that will match up with the intent of the music. Music that's more aggressive or more angular will have angular forms and sets to go with it.
DL: Do you find it hard to incorporate creativity and natural movement into a tightly regimented and disciplined band?
CS: The reason a marching band is disciplined is because, in our case, we've got 170 people outside trying to coordinate movement and sound together. In order for it to function and be anywhere near efficient, it has to be a disciplined group. Discipline doesn't stifle creativity; discipline creates an environment where creativity can blossom, really. It's the same way in any art form - discipline is not an enemy, and it is completely essential in creating good, natural artwork. They really work hand-in-hand. You can't have great work without having discipline.
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~ Pat Lohmann
