Senior Bailey Million is ready to hit all the right notes in her final season with Catoosa High School Band. A loyal member of both jazz and marching band, Bailey loves the adrenaline of performing on stage. With her commitment, love, and big aspirations for her future, there’s no telling just how far her love for music will take her.
Bailey’s love for band began back in sixth grade, when she first had the chance to try out different instruments. After joining the Woodwind group, she quickly was drawn to the clarinet, “It was an instrument I could actually make a sound with, unlike the flute,” she recalls. Even though the clarinet’s alternative fingerings proved challenging at first, Bailey has since mastered it and is proud she can play it confidently.
Bailey’s favorite style of performing is marching band. The thrill of walking in step and moving while creating beautiful music is what fuels her passion and excitement. In band, Bailey has played many pieces, but two stand out as favorites, “ Give Us This Day” and “Country Gardens”, both showing off everybody’s musical talent and dedication. For Bailey, band isn’t only about making music, it’s the friendships and experiences. Her entire group is dedicated to their role, and together they’re making memories they’ll remember forever.
Before every performance, Bailey shares a special tradition with her bandmates. She pinky swears with the saxophones, she high-fives with the clarinets Finn and Nogan, says “dude” with the flutes, and fist pumps with the brass. These small traditions bring them closer together, encouraging each other, and making them feel united as a group.
When it’s all said and done, Bailey wants future band members to know what it takes to succeed. “It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and time. But in the end, it’s worth it because of all the friends you make and the memories you create,” she explains. For Bailey, band is not only a chance to perform, but also an opportunity to express herself through music. Beyond high school, she hopes to continue in both marching and concert band at the University level while pursuing a degree in social work.
