Reanne L. Nakapa’ahu (’14 Music Ed.) was a member of the Cougar Marching Band drumline from fall 2009 to spring 2011, when she became drum major. She held that leadership position until she graduated in spring 2014. Here, she answers some questions about her time with CMB.
What instrument did you play?
I played tenors on the drumline and was also a drum major for three years.
How many years were you in CMB?
Five years.
Were you in band in high school or middle school, too?
Yes! I started my music and journey in 2003 at King Intermediate School in Kaneohe, Hawai’i I continued this love for band throughout my four years at James B. Castle High School and my time at WSU.
Why did you want to be in the marching band at WSU?
I wanted to be in marching band because it was something I loved. During my senior year of high school, I got to march with the Hawai’i All-State Marching Band, and it ignited my desire to join a collegiate marching band. I was prepared for the performance level to increase and I knew that CMB would give that to me!
What do you love about marching band?
I loved the community that being in a marching band creates. You work hard and put in countless hours to create a performance for the masses, and it is an incredible feeling. Being able to perform in a variety of settings is what made the experience worth it. It was also an amazing feeling to build a familial bond with all the members of CMB. These were people that I spent a lot of time with, especially when I was in the role of drum major. The marching band world is incredible and being a part of it brought my lots of joy.
What are your favorite memories—of practice, of games both home and away, of the camaraderie and friendships?
I have so many memories that it makes this question difficult to answer. Here are some of the favorites I can remember:
- Showing up for my first rehearsal on the Thursday of band camp and realizing that the tenor part was reserved for me since I auditioned in July while at the summer program for freshmen. Since I did my audition before band camp, the rest of the drumline were anxiously awaiting to see who I was to have earned a spot beforehand. Since my flight didn’t arrive at the beginning of band camp, the tenors were left empty during rehearsal until I arrived. It put a lot of pressure on me, but also gave me the motivation to step up and learn everything quickly.
- Getting to play with the drumline at all of the football games. It was intense, challenging and fun.
- Being on the field with the drumline before pregame is one of the most invigorating feelings ever! We would kick off the pregame celebrations with a drum beat and the band would come running out of the tunnel. These were some of the best times in the CMB!
- One of my favorite memories is when I found out I got one of the drum major roles. I worked hard to audition, interview, and apply for the role and the hard work paid off. Seeing my name with that title made it all worth it and would set up my final three years with CMB.
Where did you get to go/travel to with band?
During my time in CMB, we would go to Seattle once a year for a football game. I loved these trips because of the memories and experiences I had with my fellow band members. I was given the chance join the band for a bowl game in New Mexico and that was also a whirlwind of an experience, but so fun!
Who was your band director? And what do you remember about your band director?
I was in CMB while Don Hower was the director. He was one of my favorite people, and I am so thankful to have been under his direction. Don was very matter-of-fact, but he always found time to smile. My favorite memory of Don has to do with our common love for sunsets. If there was a beautiful sunset happening during rehearsal, Don would pause our rehearsal to take a moment and look at the beauty that was upon us. Don also gave me the confidence to audition for the role of drum major. This was a big leadership opportunity, and I learned a lot about effective leadership. During my senior year, I was chosen as the student representative on the job search committee for Don’s successor.
What were your favorite songs to perform?
In band, we learned a plethora of songs. We learned our repertoire of pep tunes in addition to getting new music for each halftime performance. I have many favorites throughout my time in CMB, but when it comes to pep tunes, I love playing “Louie Louie” and “Land of 1,000 Dances.” When it came to halftime shows, my favorite to play was the Journey show which was performed in 2009. I also loved conducting the “Spies” show in 2013 because I loved hearing the band play “Hawaii Five-0.” In addition to all of these tunes, I loved playing any of the drumline cadences. They were always so fun!
Could you still play the Fight Song from memory?
I could probably play through it if I needed to jump on the tenors, but I know that I can 100 percent conduct it with ease!
How often do you return to WSU for Coug football games?
I try to go back to the motherland for at least one football game, but this year (2023) is the first time I won’t be able to make it.
Do you stay in touch with CMB members?
I do! I made lifelong friends while in CMB, and they are still some of my closest friends!
Do you still play? Perform?
I still perform occasionally, but I also spend my time volunteering with the Bonney Lake Marching Band each fall. This always brings me back to my marching band roots and gives me the opportunity to work with band students. I am an elementary music teacher during the day, but I love having the chance to work with a competitive marching band.
What else should Cougs know about CMB?
CMB was a huge part of my time at WSU. I was hooked since my first day at band camp. The band has always consisted of a variety of students who are studying different things while at WSU. Even though we were studying different things, our passion for music brought us all together. It was an impactful way to meet others and socialize with so many different people.