Remembering the ‘24 Pride of Owasso
By Josh Foreman
The ‘23-’24 school year is coming to an end, and as seniors are saying their final goodbyes to those they have grown closest to over the course of high school, students tend to reminisce about the times they have shared. One of the largest and most prominent groups within our district, the 2024 seniors of the Pride of Owasso, have been together since sixth grade and have shared more memories than they can count. Beginning as complete newbies, the Owasso band has grown together from day one.
“Sixth grade was fun; we all sucked at our instruments… just kind of how it goes when you’re learning something new,” says Logan Blalack, senior oboe player and Band Council President.
Once the band passed the initial starting point of learning sheet music and playing in unison, the memories could finally begin. Concerts, competitions and impromptu performances were just around the corner, and bonds could finally begin to develop.
“In seventh grade, we played Bohemian Rhapsody… everybody loved [it]. There was another band at band camp that year that played Bohemian Rhapsody…so we gathered together in a common area and all played it outside of rehearsal,” says Blalack.
Community grows—with students and teachers alike—when the passion is truly there. Spending countless hours at rehearsals and going through thick and thin builds friendships that may stretch over time, but will never break.
“In eighth grade we were playing this really hard piece called El Camino Real by Alfred Reed that everybody really loved,” Blalack fondly remembers, “but it was the day of the contest that all of the COVID stuff was going down. Our director [Mr. Weimar] fought for us to play…and it was pretty good. I remember he cried on stage, and he’s not really an emotional guy.”
Band has brought out sides of people that were rarely seen before, such as Mr. Weimar’s immense pride in his students.
“We all have our little groups that have changed and evolved over the years, as friendships do, but, I mean, we all come to band with the same purpose, and work for, as we say, one mind, one mission, one heart,” says Abi Rasumussen, senior flute player.
Regardless of the highly structured, regimented nature of the band, students are all able to come together for the purpose they all put so much value in every day: the music.
“I can’t imagine my life without music… It's going to be hard to leave such a great program, but I’m grateful for all it’s taught me and the experiences I’ve had,” Rasmussen says. “They will be with me forever.”
One of the most memorable moments for most band students was the Indianapolis trip. For a marching band, playing on an official NFL field is a remarkable feat, and it was a great experience for everyone involved.
“I remember… looking at the field… a professional football field, and I’ve always loved the NFL,” Blalack says proudly. “It was kind of like a dream come true for me. We were in the tunnel, and the lights were shining on the field, and I was like ‘dang’... I think I shed a tear in the tunnel, it was a good moment,” he adds with a smile.
“Getting to spend time with everyone is the best part of all the trips. The competitions themselves are often challenging and fulfilling to compete in and present something we’ve worked hard on, but I love getting to goof off too,” Rasmussen says.
The end of anything close to the heart is usually bittersweet, and the senior class’s departure from the Pride of Owasso is no exception. No matter where these dedicated musicians end up, they’ll always know that they’re a part of one mind, one mission, and one heart.