Friday night will be a special one for many as it’s Senior Night for the Class of 2020’s JROTC, band, Raiderettes, colorguard, cheerleaders and football. The Rider Chronicle is having a series of Q/As with the leaders of each organization this week. 

Most Friday nights, Drum Major Reili Schell is seen on the field conducting the Pride of the Raiders Marching Band. What people don’t see is her journey leading up to the stand. The Rider Chronicle sat down with Schell to discuss her growth and the future.    

Q:  How long have you been in band and why have you stayed this long?

A: I have been in band since 7th grade, but I’ve been playing flute since I was eight. I’ve been in band this long because it not only challenges me, but I love music and I like to make music and make friends. 

Q: What makes band special for you? 

A: Well it’s definitely where I found my passion. Most of my friends are a part of band too, so I’ve been able to make friends that way and it’s fun. You get to make memories and make music.

Q: Favorite memory?  

A: I don’t really know; I say it’s all of the stuff we do in between. Competition is still really fun, but the football games are really fun and we get to hang out with each other. Band banquet was always really fun. I just think all of the small stuff we get to do to connect are some of my favorite memories; not specific ones but all of them together.

Q: What do you want to accomplish this year personal and band-wise?

A: Well, I want to make it to the second round of area, band-wise, and I want to stay in the top ten. Sophomore year when we did area we were so close to making it to the second round, so then this year our band is really good if we just push ourselves I feel like we can make it to the second round.

Q: What have you learned about being in band? 

A: I’ve learned to take a lot of responsibility like even without being drum major. When I first started band, high school was a big slap in the face and so I had to be more responsible for myself, learn more time management, especially with band and on top of all of the school because we have to do a lot. I’ve also learned perseverance.

Q: How have you changed since freshman year?
A: Freshman year was super stressful, and I’m not saying it’s not stressful now, but freshman year I didn’t know what to expect and I was kinda of going with the flow. Now, I know what I’m doing; band and school-wise. Because of that, I’m able to help others through what they’re going through, because I went through it too.

Q: What will you miss after senior year?

A: I’ll definitely miss all of the people. I probably won’t miss all of my classes except band though. Mostly, I’ll miss all of my friends and my family, because it will be weird moving away after this year and doing my own stuff.

Q: How do you feel now that it’s your senior year?

A: A mix of, ‘Yay, I’m going to leave’ and ‘Oh, I’m gonna leave.’ It’s kinda of I want to leave, but I’m also really sad.

Q: What do you want to do after high school? 

A: I would say it’s mostly I don’t know what I want, but I’m kinda thinking of going into music just because it’s what I’ve done for such a long time and I like it.

Q: One final message for your team. 

A: I know it’s hard right now, but keep persevering because you will make it.