There are many homes in Coppell which are not too keen on hosting a party for roughly 200 people. For Senior Drum Major David Dreir, however, his house is not one of them.
“It is always fun to have Queso because it’s a place where everyone can come after the games and be safe,” Dreir said. “It’s also cool to be like ‘Hey, move this is my couch, I need to rest.”
The Queso party, hosted this 2009-2010 by Dreir, is a tradition long revered by band members and occurs most Fridays after football games and at select times during contest season. Often consisting of guitar-hero sessions, The Office re-runs and food, Queso has become the coveted ‘hang-out’ for most band members.
“It’s a Queso party, which means that there’s Queso and M&M’s of every sort,” Junior Christina Portilla said. “I say everybody should come.”
Previously, Queso was held at band member Dustin Attaway’s house for 11 years. At the Attaway’s, however, Queso was open for anyone, not solely band members to come. Following the Attaway’s, Greg Tote and Katie Gale hosted up until the torch was passed to Dreir his senior year.
“We’re trying to bring back what the Attaway’s had,” Dreir said. “I want it to be open for anyone who wants to come together but there can be conflicting dynamics.”
Although the responsibilities of having the Queso parties are numerous. The cost of food and clean-up the following day encompass just a few. However, Kelly Dreir, mother of David, doesn’t seem to mind the mess given the fun and tradition that accompanies the parties.
“I love having Queso here, it’s a great place for the kids,” Dreir said.
Overall, Queso is said to be the highlight of many bandmember’s weeks during the chaos of Football season. Given the parties increasing turn out, only time will tell if it is to become most other students’ as well.