De Soto High School has many different clubs and groups for the student body to become a part of, and the biggest group is the band.

With over 160 members, the DHS band plays at many school and out of school events such as sporting events, pep assemblies and parades.

“[At assemblies] they make it sound more peppy and more exciting,” freshman Paola Barrera said.

Performing mostly at football and basketball games the band plays during timeouts and halftime. Football games allow the band to perform during halftime while the players take a break.

There are also special exceptions in which the band plays at other sporting events, like this years Dig Pink volleyball game.

When playing at games, “they benefit us. It gets the gym really pumped up,” said senior volleyball player Tessa Phongsavath. “The atmosphere is more positive and it really helps the home team.”

The Wildcat Band has a lot more action behind the scenes that only band members get to see.

To practice for competitions, the band has Monday night rehearsals, each week having its own theme. These themes are whatever students are supposed to dress up as for the night.

“During Monday night rehearsals we  [the drumline] are the ones that participate in the themes that Connor Kennard comes up with,” said sophomore drumline member Zaid Gratz.

This year’s themes have included animals, rock-n-roll,   superheroes and more.

The band not only helps encourage the groups at school, it also allows students to spend time with their friends and get involved.

To many, the band is not just a group-it is a family.

“Band means to me honestly just a big family. Making a bunch of music and just having a good time,” said senior saxophone player Gabbi Juarez.

Many sports interfere with what other groups students can participate in, due to practices or games.

“You can have people that do so many things so you don’t have to sacrifice anything else you can be with your friends and make music,” Juarez said.

Many band students agree that its main attraction is the drumline.

“A lot of the energy comes from the drumline,” Gratz said. “And I’m not just saying that because I’m in it.”

After the senior class graduates, drumline is set to lose 10 members, which is over half of its occupants. Younger drumline members plan to continue to provide and fill those missing spots.

As for where the energy comes from, Juarez agrees.

“Most of the energy comes from the people within,” Juarez said. “The opportunity to support your school all the time and do it with people you enjoy makes it super energized.”