It is about more than the music. It is about training, endurance, muscle memory and putting together the whole package to create a show that is fewer than 15 minutes long. It is harder than just waving a flag or blowing air into an instrument.

  “We do quite a bit of physical activity. Guard does a fair amount with their routines and you have to keep your core strong while marching to ensure the music sounds as good as it would if you weren’t moving,” sophomore Kamryn Yach said.

  The band has been working through their routine for weeks.They run at practice, spend hours learning the music, and finally put the show together. The show this year is called “Voyage A Paris” and the songs include “An American in Paris,” “La Vie en Rose,” “Paris sketches IV.” “Les Halles,” and “Symphonic Fantastique.”  

The band competed in the Smith-Cotton Marching Invitational and took second place in their division.

    Band director Brandi Holt said that the show is a storyline of young people traveling to Paris for the first time and then falling in love.

    Band camp lasted about two weeks this summer. Section leaders and drum majors had to be there for two days 1:30 to 5 p.m. and then freshman joined them for the next two days. The next week everyone came in from 1:30 to 9 p.m.and were given two hours to eat. The last week lasted Monday through Thursday. It started at 4 p.m. and lasted until 9 p.m. and they had an hour to eat. The band also often practices every morning from 7 to 8 a.m.

  “We learned fundamentals of marching, our show music, and the start of our drill. It was a lot of work, but it was worth it. It definitely was fun to interact with my band friends,”said Yach.