Nothing sets off the mood for football season better than a marching band on the
field. From halftime shows, to energizing music from the sidelines, the band pumps
up the crowd and encourages the players on the field.
Tyler Massey, a senior at Altus High School, is the drum major in the marching band
and also plays tuba. He enjoys the many challenges of marching band. Band
members must be able to play the various instruments, while executing the
coordinated maneuvers it takes to perform shows on the field.
The best memories are not always made from winning awards. Tyler laughs
remembering when “we were marching on the field and it was raining. I came in
early and was the only one to mess up the show!”

Band is like “being a part of a big family,” he says. “It has helped me be a leader and
learn how to be kind.”
Even in tough times Tyler says it is important to remember “it’s not raining forever so
just keep going.”
Tyler credits his sister for getting him into band. “I was in 5th grade and my sister
was in high school. She played in the band and I thought it was cool so I joined.”
Assistant band director, Mr. Delao is Tyler’s favorite teacher. “He has taught me so
much more then I already knew,” says Tyler.
Tyler is a roll model in his school for other kids to look up to. He wants to make his
friends and family proud, saying, “I really enjoy it (band) and like the challenges.”
He is thankful to his mom’s support and to good friends like Lorenzo who taught him
how to be a leader and how to make good bonds with people.