The sound of people scraping their feet on the concrete, playing instruments in the parking lot and sometimes marching through the hallways can be loud. For band directors, it is something they love. The Pride of the East has welcomed two brand new directors, Mr. Luis Saldana and Mr. Jason Duck.

Mr. Saldana is the new head band director. He taught at The Colony High School for three years. Saldana was a member of the brass section for the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps.

“I was greatly influenced by the Texas band directors of the Santa Clara Vanguard,” Mr. Saldana said. “Their names were Bill Watson, Dean Westman and Jed Weeks. All three of them said that I should be a band director.”

Mr. Duck is the new assistant band director. He taught at Robinson Middle School for five years. This is his first year teaching high school students.

“There is a greater initiative in the high school students here, and they require less monitoring in certain classroom environments,” Mr. Duck said.

Transitioning from one school to another is tough, but Mr. Saldana and Mr. Duck had an easy time.

“It’s always very difficult, but everyone has been a tremendous help in the transition,” Mr. Saldana said. “Parents have been extremely welcoming. Students have been incredibly welcomed to try new things, and have been very gracious in teaching me their traditions.”

Both directors know multiple things about the whole aspect of marching, and are excited to teach the new freshmen in band this year.

“Be prepared for an experience like no other,” Mr. Duck said. “High school marching band will be an activity you’ll remember when you grow older.”

Students have been working with the band directors since band camp Aug. 1.

“They are really friendly and good about learning how each student is individually,” sophomore Abby Zuniga said.

The Pride of the East will compete at the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Marching Festival Oct. 1.