The Westview High School Band has been captivating audiences this fall with their powerful field show featuring music from Star Wars: Episode VII ā The Force Awakens. This season holds special significance, as it marks the final year for Band Director Mike Tucker, who will retire at the end of this school year with a staggering 49 years in education - 33 of those in service to Weakley County Schools.
The show, based on the legendary score by John Williams, has quickly proven to be one of the most challenging productions Tucker has ever directed. āIn all my years working with students, this is the toughest music Iāve put in front of them,ā he said. āCouple that with the fact that itās already challenging to both play and march simultaneously,ā he said.
Tucker, who had long planned to feature Star Wars music in his final year, explained his philosophy for band performances. āA halftime show needs to be educational, entertaining, and competitive,ā he said. āWeāve never done a Star Wars show before, and I wanted to make sure we did it justice, both musically and in terms of difficulty.ā
The rigorous practice schedule has tested the studentsā endurance, as theyāve battled through grueling heat and long rehearsals. With one-third of the 62-member band made up of freshmen, the demands have been particularly intense. Despite these challenges, Tucker said the students have risen to the occasion. āTheyāve grown so much over the past few months,ā he noted. āEvery practice, they push themselves to get better, whether itās mastering a tricky musical passage or perfecting their positions on the field. Itās an ongoing process to improve every single day.ā
Assistant Band Director Jennifer Cupples echoed Tuckerās sentiments about the dedication required. āBeing a part of the band requires a unique set of talents,ā she said. āThese students arenāt just musicians; theyāre athletes, performers, and team players. The ability to execute complex music while maintaining precise formations on the field takes an incredible amount of coordination and focus. They work hard and it shows.ā
The students have also had to contend with the sweltering temperatures typical of a Tennessee fall. The faculty and administrative team have carefully monitored conditions to ensure the safety of the students during outdoor rehearsals. āItās been hotāunforgiving at timesābut the students have shown resilience,ā said Tucker. āThey keep going because they know the end result will be worth it.ā
The band has already performed at several football games and two successful competitions this season. At South Gibson on September 21, they brought home the 3rd place Color Guard award. This past Saturday, September 28, they attended a competition in Gosnell, Arkansas, where they earned 2nd place in Color Guard, 2nd place in Percussion, 2nd place Overall in their Class, and 2nd place Overall at the Contest. Baritone player Nicholas Edwards brought home the contestās Best Soloist award. Along with more game performances, the groupās fall schedule includes competing on October 5 in Jonesboro, Arkansas; October 12 in McKenzie, Tennessee; and October 26 in Paragould, Arkansas.
As the band continues to prepare, Tucker praised the team dynamic. āBand is such a team effort,ā he said. āEvery student has to pull their weight for it to come together. Theyāve learned a lot in these past weeks, and itās amazing to see how far theyāve come.ā
Assistant Director Cupples also reflected on what it has been like working with Tucker during this final season. āMr. Tucker has been a tremendous mentor and leader,ā she said. āHis dedication to the students and the program is unmatched. Iāve learned so much from him, and I know the students feel incredibly fortunate to have had him as their director.ā
Director of Schools Jeff Cupples commended the bandās efforts this year and reflected on Tuckerās legacy. āThe Westview Band has demonstrated excellence year after year, and this season is no different,ā he said. āMr. Mike Tuckerās influence on our students and the community over the past three decades has been profound. We are extremely proud of the bandās accomplishments and grateful for his many years of service.ā
While the fall field show is a significant part of the bandās schedule, the students are also preparing for a major performance this spring in Washington, D.C. āItās a huge opportunity for the band, and itās something theyāve been working hard toward,ā said Tucker. āItāll be a fantastic way to round out the year.ā
As Tucker and the senior band members experience their āyear of lasts,ā he said itās the students he will miss the most. āIāve had the best kids in the world to work with, and thatās what makes this job so rewarding,ā he said. āItās been fun - and thatās what Iāll carry with me.ā