GREENSBORO, N.C. — His tuba bellows over the cacophony of sound throughout the room.

North Carolina A&T senior Ethan McKay has been playing sousaphone for about eight years. He loves the responsibility of being the heartbeat of his band.

 

       What You Need to Know

  • N.C. A&T is now requiring vaccinations or a negative COVID-19 test for athletic events
  • The rule starts this Saturday 
  • It includes even the band 
  • Sousaphone section leader Ethan McKay sees both sides of the spectrum

 

“I guess it’s just hearing the sound in the stadium and the echo when I’m playing out,” McKay said. “Being able to know that I’m heard over the band and, without the band, they can’t really function without us.”

McKay is the sousaphone section leader in the school’s band, the Blue and Gold Marching Machine. We caught up with them Saturday as it rained down in Greensboro, forcing the band inside.

“When it rains, it kind of puts a hindrance on our practice because we can’t get the field aspect or clean up the show we have to do,” McKay said. “So, we just have to stay inside and work on music, clean it up. That way, you know, when we can get on the field, at least we know the music is good.”

When the band takes the field for the first home game Saturday, they’ll have to take one extra step before getting in. A&T is requiring a full vaccine or negative COVID-19 test result from everyone, the band included.

This comes after the university canceled many of its events associated with their homecoming game. The decisions have been controversial, and McKay sees both sides.

“I say for the vaccine, it gives peace of mind. You’re not immune to it, but you do get the antibodies for it,” he said. “But, on the other side, you can’t force someone to take the vaccine, you know. It’s their choice, basically.”

For the most part, the band is just excited to see the field again. It’s been nearly two years since the band got to play at Truist Stadium in Greensboro.

“It’ll be worth it, we definitely put in a lot of time practicing. You know, we practice like five hours a day,” McKay said. “Just being able to be back in the stadium in front of people, that’ll probably be a new feeling for us.”

N.C. A&T isn’t the only school requiring a vaccination or negative test.

Starting Saturday, Winston-Salem State University will also implement the rule at its athletic events.