This week on the Bulldog Pride Podcast, we're celebrating the sound and spirit of Iola Band! Host Amanda Rollert sits down with Band Director Mr. Taylor Fowler and six incredible seniors: Head Drum Major - Haley Hejl, Assistant Drum Major - Fallon Smith, and Band Members - Emmy Renfro, Addy Cerrillo, Blake Whitaker, and Steven Chavez.

These seniors—most playing their instruments for seven years—share what makes band so special: the lifelong friendships, leadership opportunities, and the constant pursuit of improvement. From learning consistency and problem-solving to appreciating how hard the band works in the Texas sun for hours to entertain others, they reveal what people on the outside don't see.

Mr. Fowler reflects on his first year at Iola. He highlights their historic achievement: scoring Division 1 at marching competition for the first time in 5-6 years, a moment that shifted the band's belief in what they could accomplish.

The conversation gets fun as students share favorite pieces of music, the funniest moments, and which instruments they'd try if they could switch for a day.

The episode wraps with each senior describing band in one word: Tenacious. Memorable. Loyalty. Robust. Family. Revolutionary. Then things get competitive with Spike's Top Dog Trivia—Team Haley vs. Team Emmy in a battle of food, pop culture, science, sports, and music questions!

A huge thank you to these seniors for seven years of dedication and to Mr. Fowler for building on success and creating a culture where students believe in themselves. Go Bulldogs! 🎺🐾

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