Both Belles and the Mighty Cardinal Band are known as time-consuming activities that require immense commitment throughout the entire school year. Yet, Junior Molly Anapolsky has been a member of both organizations since her freshman year, and could not imagine her life without her jam-packed schedule.

“I’ve always done both,” Anapolsky said. “I’m always used to having a lot of things to do. I can’t give up oboe; I’ve been playing forever, and I’ve always done dance.”

Anapolsky came from a background of both dance and music. She started ballet at the young age of two and a half and continued up until her freshman year, when she moved from Maryland back to Texas. A family friend encouraged her to try out for Belles.

“I was all for trying something new,” Anapolsky said. “Moving was an easy way to transition away from ballet to a new style of dance.”

Anapolsky began her endeavor in music in fourth grade. Now an experienced oboe player, she actually started out on the flute. Because fewer play the oboe, Anapolsky switched instruments in sixth grade in order to get into the advanced band.

“I wanted to do some extracurriculars but there weren’t very many at my school,” Anapolsky said. “I decided to take up the flute. Later, being the overachiever I am, I wanted to be in the advanced band, but there was no way I could get in playing flute, so the director told me I could switch to oboe.”

Being in both activities has allowed Anapolsky to gain insight on the relationship between Belles and Band. Her knowledge has been able to help both directors.

“Belles and band do a lot of things together, like halftime performances at football games,” Anapolsky said. “I know the band’s stand tunes, which are short melodies played in the stands, so I help the Belles director with improving our stand routines.”

Not only has Anapolsky’s participation helped connect the two groups, but it has also benefited her personally.

“Our dance director always reminds us that we have to be counting, so knowing how to play music gives me an advantage,” Anapolsky said. “It helped a lot with musicality while I’m dancing, and that’s how I improved as a dancer.”

For Anapolsky, it was not an easy journey. When the spring semester rolled around, she had Belle practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Band practice on Mondays and Wednesdays.

“If there’s an event at the same time, I have to choose which one’s more important,” Anapolsky said. “During the spring I was I was at school until 6:45 every day which was really hard, because then I would start my homework late.”

Despite the draining rehearsals and obstacles Anapolsky faces, she prides herself on her dedication to Belles and band. What truly encouraged Anapolsky to continue was the bond she formed with the members of both organizations.

“They’re both accepting environments,” Anapolsky said. “It’s a close community. We’re both kind of a little family.”