When Brian Quakenbush isn’t directing band, he could be found playing his trumpet or listening to his favorite musician, Bela Fleck, or maybe even reading about him and his music.

Quakenbush has been the band director at Cave Spring High School for four years now, but has been teaching for 14 years, and he’s loved every moment of it. “It shouldn’t be marching band, it should be band marching,” Quakenbush said.

SWoCo wanted to know what he’s looking forward to most out of this year’s marching band season.

Q: How large is this year’s marching band?

A: This year there is about 90 students. We are increasing every year.

Q:  Will the marching band be competing this year?

A: We go out and compete two times a year. We have quite a few weekends to avoid because of testing and homecoming. I try to give the students as wide an education as possible and competition does that.

Q: What is most exciting about starting a new year?

A:  It’s brand new. It’s like anticipating Christmas. We have a lot of new faces and a new show. The things kids are really excited about are the football games. I see the marching band as being the spirit group of the school. We react and help the team. I think that’s very important to make sure that our focus is do everything we can to help them win.

Q: What is your biggest concern this year?

A: My biggest concern every year is the weather. Luckily with Bogle Field, the game goes on. We check the weather five days ahead. If we are there, we are going to be there full force.

Q: What is new this year?

A: Every year we have a new show. Every year is different. This year it’s called “Music of Earth, Wind and Fire.” I write most of the music so I get feedback from the students. We try to do stuff that the average football fan will appreciate. The seniors leave and they leave shadows and it’s really neat the next year when kids rise to the occasion into leadership roles.

Q: Who should we be on the lookout for this year?

A: Emily Smith: she does voice, plays the clarinet, and baritone. Also, Parker Vascik. He plays percussion, cello, bass drums, and is an Eagle Scout.