Student Spotlight: LaNaysha Simms: Tuba
Above all, LaNaysha Simms felt nervous. It was difficult to process that she was about to make the leap from high school to college, and that for the first time in her life, she would be in a marching band. The nerves melted away, however, when she saw another student trying to get their sousaphone out of their car.
"I'd always wanted to be in a marching band," Simms said. "In 9th grade, our director showed us a video of the MMB, and how we can still be engaged in music after we graduated. I signed up for a livestream, followed the page, and watched all the videos. I was in my kitchen cooking food when I got the acceptance letter. I remember jumping up and down in my kitchen when my house was really quiet. It had been a dream of mine for so long. In the email it said 'welcome to tuba section.' I didn't care that there was a typo, I was just so happy to get in."
An average brass sousaphone weighs between 25 and 30 pounds, but while the extra weight adds an additional challenge, the tuba section takes pride in their ability to persevere.
"I loved coming and just seeing this many people who play tuba," Simms said. "The section has a driving mentality to getting things done. We love practicing and getting complimented by [Dr Noble-Pruett] on our ability to march despite the heavy instrument. Everybody wants everyone to succeed and do better. We always say 'climb the ladder of success and be better.' I love doing that at rehearsal and watching the whole MMB look at us."
The tuba section also has many traditions.
"Right after our first challenge, we all go to Red Robin and order bottomless root beer floats and get to know one another," Simms said. "There is also a restaurant in Ohio called Wing Depot. We always say there's one good thing in Ohio, and that's Wing Depot. The whole section heads down there to eat."
Much of the behind-the-scenes work is done by student staff. The Equipment Staff (E-Staff) is responsible for managing and setting up equipment for rehearsals and performances.
"On E-Staff, our main role is making sure all equipment is set up and put away," Simms said. "We also hold office hours, take care of people's instruments and handle uniforms. During stadium rehearsals, we get props ready for rehearsal and help run challenges. During the bowl trip, we got to ride in the equipment truck a lot and really got to know one another. We also take a trip to the music center to learn how to fix instruments. That was the first time I sat down and met everyone. I knew from that day this was going to be a really solid group of people. I love hanging out with them."
Simms' involvement in the band extends beyond her staff role. In the 2022 winter semester, Simms joined Tau Beta Sigma, an honorary music service sorority.
"I was very involved in service in high school," Simms said. "I went to the first ice cream social and really enjoyed how they were giving back to the MMB and the community. I had talked to Victor Luk about TBS. He was one of the only tubas there and I wanted to continue that legacy, and branch out and meet new people."
In the 2022-2023 year, Simms received a national award for her demonstrated potential in leadership.
"I wasn't really expecting [to receive the award]," Simms said. "I wanted to pursue leadership in TBS, but with E-Staff responsibilities I didn't want to take on more than I could handle. I recently became the sales cart manager, so I'm still trying to take on leadership roles. Knowing my sisters see that in me is really nice as well. I knew I had gotten nominated for it, but when Lindsay gave me the award, it was nice to know that it was also seen at that level too."
Initially, Simms started out as a clarinet player.
"In fifth grade, we did an instrument 'petting zoo,'" Simms said. "I had already convinced myself that I would play tuba. They told me I was way too small to play it, and advised me to look at other instruments. I was good at woodwinds, so that was the avenue I decided to go down. In 8th grade, the opportunity to try tuba came up, even though the director advised against it because I was in a high chair within the clarinets, I convinced him and kept coming in to practice. Finally, he let me switch and the rest is history. I really love the low notes, and being able to play the lowest register instrument."
In her studies, Simms is pursuing a dual degree in Computer Science and Art and Design.
"I've always done art and design in high school and had a real affinity for it," Simms said. "I really like coding and how methodical it is. Learning to code and use HTML allowed me to create my own art website. I also think that the creativity I have in art and design has helped my brain come up with creative solutions for coding."
One area of interest for Simms lies at the intersection of design and computer science in animation.
"I've always wanted to be an animator but I was not good at drawing," Simms said, "but I knew there were opportunities to explore engineering in animation and coding software for animation studios like Disney and Pixar. Those movies have been really important to my appreciation of art and animation. Knowing I could actually get a job at those companies drew me to them."
Simms has turned to her own past for inspiration.
"Lately in my artwork, I've been working a lot with my childhood and nostalgia," Simms said "As a child I used to put beads and barrettes in my hair, and I saw an artist make a collage with beads and barrettes and that brought me back. I had studied my childhood a lot in my sophomore portfolio. I had to actually sit back and go through old photos to really get a sense of those memories. If I had an opportunity to create my own piece, I would try to put my childhood into animation."
Simms has served on E-Staff for two seasons.
