There are many different forms of musical expression such as singing, writing and listening to music, or playing an instrument, and Katie Bullock excels at the latter as an avid member of the Pleasant Valley High School Band. Bullock started her career in band as a doe-eyed sixth grader who was overjoyed to learn to play the flute.
In June before she began grade 6, Bullock spent time learning how to play on the very flute that her mom played during high school. It became evident early in the learning process that she shared the same passion for playing that her mom once did. Six years later, her love and passion for participating in band has remained strong.
Bullock has been an active member of Pleasant Valley’s flourishing band program during high school. Freshman year, she was a member of the flute section. During her sophomore and junior years, she served as the section leader for the flutes. As a senior, she now serves as a Spartan Drum Major, the highest band honor one can receive. Bullock says that there is a stark difference between being a section leader and being a drum major.
The flute section will always be her home, but she did not get the opportunity to talk to people outside of her section before becoming drum major. She now loves interacting with and observing people in other sections. In addition, she also loves having a different perspective of the band as a whole. Some of her other favorite things about being a drum major include conducting and receiving a new level of respect from her teachers and fellow band members.
Bullock has received many honors throughout her time in band. In addition to being a section leader and a drum major, Bullock has received Division I and II ratings at State Solo and Ensemble Festival. She has also brought her talents into the community by participating in various honor bands and concerts.
Bullock is honored to have these opportunities because she has been able to further enrich her musical abilities and have a positive impact on her community. However, her progress would not be possible without the constant support and training from her instructors Drew Anderson, Tara Daurer, Rob Medd, and Brian Gartner.
Daurer commented on Bullock’s time in the program. “She is very positive and supportive of other students. She has grown as a musician and a leader an incredible amount. She has just been a very consistent and positive influence on those around her. It has been a joy and a breath of fresh air to have her be a part of the program and a leader in the program.”
Bullock’s favorite thing about being in the band relates to the relationships she has built with her instructors and members of the band. “The camaraderie and friendships that I have developed with my fellow members have been my favorite part about being in band for the past six years. Since band is such a prominent program at our school, it is definitely an opportunity to be a part of something special.”
The PV Band program is indeed special. In recent years, it has almost surpassed Iowa State University’s number of members, making it one of the largest marching bands in the state. With strength in numbers, the band has many more surprises in store for the rest of this year. They will be performing a 70’s themed show, an Avengers themed show, and many more at future home games during this football season.
These are bittersweet moments for Bullock as she savors the wonderful moments she has left in the PV band while also preparing for her future endeavors. Regardless of where she ends up, PV Band will always have a place in her heart. “The PV Band has been, and will always be, my home.”
