For Notre Dame alum Gabby Jackson, joining the University of Wisconsin-Madison Marching Band has been both a challenge and an enriching experience.
As a college freshman, Jackson describes the UW Band as an organization filled with passion, pride and a strong sense of community.
“The band members are so passionate about making music and creating a welcoming atmosphere for all students and families,” she said.
Balancing the rigorous demands of the UW Band alongside academics and other extracurricular activities has not been easy.
Jackson emphasized that time management is essential, especially given the physical and mental commitment required by the marching band.
Although the Notre Dame band helped Jackson enhance her trumpet skills, the biggest difference from the NDA band and the UW band was the fact the NDA band doesn’t march when playing.
However, this did not stop her from learning and excelling.
She attended one clinic with the band a few weeks before the two-week audition process, where she first learned how to march.
“The marching style is very meticulous and physically demanding, but I felt prepared going into auditions because they taught us everything we needed to know,” explained Jackson.
Beyond the rehearsals and performances, Jackson has embraced the many opportunities available within the band, including potential travel experiences such as run-out concerts across Wisconsin.
Although she has not yet travelled with the band, she hopes to do so in the future.
She also noted that the pep band travels depending on scheduling and athletic credit availability, offering students additional ways to engage with the university community.
Outside of the band, Jackson remains highly involved on campus.
“I am currently a Volunteer Service Co-chair for the Mercile J Lee Scholars Program Freshman cohort, an intern for the Vietnamese Student Association, a Conversational English tutor, a Slow Foods volunteer, and a Vietnamese Health Project board member, “ she said.
Navigating academics, extracurriculars and her love for band, Jackson is making the most out of her college experience.
