Leaving behind Texas high school band culture for a fresh start in California proved to be a bittersweet transition that redefined my music, my mindset, and my sense of home.
By Cody Sample
For years, music was my constant anchor. Ever since I first picked up the alto saxophone in middle school, playing was a fundamental part of who I was. Growing up around Texas high school band culture meant living and breathing music at a relentless, high-energy pace.
Early morning rehearsals under the rising sun, massive stadium crowds, and marching alongside a wall of sound. Leaving Fort Worth for Visalia, California was hard. Stepping away from the friends I had grown up with and leaving that familiar, high-stakes band culture behind weighed heavily on me.
Last years season was one to remember. My section and I, from last year, grew very close throughout the season through the 1,200+ hours of rehearsal we had together plus the long bus rides to football games and competitions. Nothing will ever be more rewarding than hearing our final impact ring out in the Alamo Dome of San Antonio.
It felt like walking away from a huge part of my life, leaving me to wonder if I’d ever get that same feeling again, if I’d ever find some kind of connection like that again. The experience of going into a completely new School was, without a doubt, nerve-racking.
Wanting to maintain my connection to music before I even arrived, I sent an email to Jordan Ray, our band director here at Redwood High School. I let him know that I was transferring from L.D Bell High School and was eager to march for the upcoming school year. He was quick to respond with audition materials, and we set an audition date for June 10th.
When the day came to walk into the band room, my heart was pounding wanting to make a great first impression. But as soon as I met Mr. Ray, my anxiety began to ease. He was incredibly welcoming, and the entire audition experience went smoothly. By the end of our meeting, he offered me a spot in both our Wind Ensemble & Marching band here at Redwood. That simple offer took massive weight off my shoulders.
When July rolled around and band camp officially started, I stepped onto campus nervous, but ready to meet a whole new group of people. Moving into an established group where everyone already knew each other as a Junior was intimidating, but the culture at Redwood made it easy to start meeting new people.
Before long, I was meeting amazing people and building friendships that helped make Visalia feel like home. Still, adjusting to the structural and stylistic differences between Texas and California music programs was a major shift as the school year started.
The daily routine was night and day compared to what I was used to:
Rehearsal Schedules, Texas: Back at L.D. Bell in Texas, band was an every-single-day morning commitment. We practiced Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM before the academic day began. This worked for us because we had marching band first period.
Rehearsal Schedules, California: At Redwood, practice shifted to Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, along with select Saturdays. Having free weekday mornings was a completely new, refreshing feeling. I decided to fill this with Redwood Jazz Band.
Scale and Section Dynamics: I transitioned from a massive 6A Texas program with over 300 band members– Where my saxophone section had 43 students, to a total band size of around 148 members with a saxophone section of 10.
Going from a huge 43-person section where you blend into a massive wall of sound to a tight-knit section of 10 meant that every individuals player’s tone, precision, and voice truly mattered. Being accountable for my own sound in a smaller section pushed me out of my comfort zone and ultimately has made me a better player.
The changes didn’t stop in the band room; adjusting to the academic environment at Redwood brought a totally different rhythm to my days. In Fort Worth, I was accustomed to a trimester schedule with five classes a day in a fully enclosed, indoor school complex under light bulbs.
Redwood runs on a six-period semester schedule, which I’ve actually come to prefer. School feels less high-pressure, and I enjoy the extra freedom that comes with the day. On top of that, I love the open-air layout of the campus and only having the classrooms themselves inside. Giving you that fresh breathing room between passing periods.
Looking back on the move, the whole journey has been deeply bittersweet. Leaving Texas, my friends, and the tradition I loved was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. But adapting to a new state, a new school, and a new routine showed me that stepping out of your comfort zone– even when it starts with a bundle of nerves– can lead to incredible growth, lasting friendships, and a place where you truly belong.
Cody Sample
Cody '28, is a junior in his first year of journalism at Redwood. He is a passionate Arts & Entertainment writer, and he loves telling stories!
Tags: Redwood, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood journalism, redwood rangers, student life, transfer student, visalia ca
