The first rehearsal for Southwest’s show band, Echo, took place at 7:15 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 23. Made up entirely of band students, Echo will practice during terms two and three to provide background music for all three Southwest show choirs during their performances. 

Saxophone player sophomore Jamison Dixon is anticipating some challenging music for the upcoming show choir season.

“What makes show band different from other bands is the difficulty of the music,” Dixon said. “Overall, it pushes us more as an ensemble. I also like performing higher-level music at higher-level venues. I’m looking forward to going to Chicago.”

On March 11, 2024, show choirs Resonance and Ambience will be traveling to a competition in Wheaton, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Echo will be accompanying them to Illinois to compete and provide music.

“I think I just get excited because I really like working with the students that are involved,” director Mr. Andrew Jacobson said. “Since I don’t teach band regularly, I get to work with different students in the school. We have the best players and different styles of instruments. It’s cool getting to be a part of that.”

Before-school rehearsals on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday will continue for the rest of term two. Echo will premiere alongside the show choirs on Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the Southwest auditorium.