By Ben Walker
Staff Writer

During the first class of the day, students’ eyes are often drawn to the televisions for the morning announcements. One particular video about the 3-point Band, may have lead students to wonder how the band actually works and the process they go through prior to performing at games.

Well, after their inaugural season, the 3-Point Band is well known for playing at Westford Academy sporting events. They were coached by Jake Galloway, who is also a professional musician himself. The leaders for this year were seniors, Alex McKinely and Amy Doucette as well as junior, Cory Godfroy.

The band recently played at several WA basketball games, especially during the boys’ recent playoff run that was cut short by Putnam Vocational High School. They even planned to play at some of the boys’ hockey games, but could not find the time due to conflicts.

Galloway and other band members practice for about an hour prior to playing at a sporting event. After practicing, they typically give themselves a relaxing break by enjoying some baked goods and other snacks. After their break, they head into the gym to perform at the day’s particular game.

The name 3-point Band comes from the genres of music that the band plays at sporting events. These genres are rock, funk, and pop. This name was made up by senior drummer, junior Evan Doherty, who thought the name perfectly described the band’s main musical focuses.

“I figured it would be fun to have a catchy, pun oriented name with an underlying meaning. So, the 3-Point Band was a reference to the common basketball term, three pointer, and the 3 styles of music we were to play in the band,” said Doherty.

In addition, Galloway has a few personal goals for the band. Because he is also a professional musician, he knows what it is like to play in front of a crowd when he really was not particularly comfortable with it. He strives to push his students to try to do the same thing.

“One of my personal goals is to push the students a bit out of their musical comfort zones,” said Galloway. “It’s the times where you are most uncomfortable musically, where you learn the most.”

When joining the band, a musical background helps the band play to be more advanced as whole although, it is not necessarily a requirement if you wish to become a member, according to coach Galloway.

“It’s strictly a volunteer ensemble and the students do it because they love playing music in an ensemble setting,” said Galloway.

Finally, Galloway is open to the idea of the band possibly competing in competitions in the upcoming future. Although they do not currently compete, Galloway believes it may be a good idea. However, he believes that in order to do this, the band would need to tighten up their rehearsal schedule.

Although their season is over, the 3-Point Band is set to return again for the next school year.