Over the megaphone, the lead director called out, “Let’s make the most beautiful sounds we can make, don’t overplay it.” Onlookers stopped to listen, as the Goin’ Band from Raiderland usually marches to stately songs during their practices. Today they stood still, playing a beautiful tune.
The band slowed their tempo and dedicated a song to the fallen Officer East, following Monday night’s shooting on campus.
“In the face of tragedy we will make music more passionately, and with more intensity and with more intent. So today is a day where we express our art in that way,” Assistant Band Director at Texas Tech Eric Allen said.
“Music has the great ability of always bringing human beings together. If we were to play the piece that we just played in another part of the world, I would definitely still believe that they would find it beautiful and it would bring us together,” Freshman band member Alexis Saenz.
The band plays “Nearer My God to Thee” often, but when they raised their instruments today, the tune had a new meaning.
“This is part of our warmup but today is is particularly special. That is one of the things about this campus and this community. When one hurts, we all hurt,” Allen said. “It was very special to us to be able to play this and to consider…how important each other are and how important this community is. As well as this particular officer who lost his life yesterday. Our hearts go out to his friends and family and all who are affected by this tragedy.”
