On October 25th, Hayesville High School Marching Band went to a band competition, competing against others in our region. We placed 3rd in this competition. Our band encompasses 7th-12th graders. I interviewed a couple of members who competed and asked them some questions. When asked, how did your band prepare for this event, Junior Trinity Gibson said that, “We practiced very consistently to prepare.” and others also said the same thing. Senior Maya Polk described some of the challenges that occurred being, “The weather made it difficult to practice our movements while playing and people being absent made it difficult to get the whole feel of our progress.” She also described that she learned to be a better leader during this experience. When asked if they could change one thing about this performance Junior Cailey Bowers described that, “We could have stayed on step better and payed more attention to our Drum Major.” She also exclaimed that she had fun and made a lot of progress. When Junior Cailey Bowers and Senior Maya Polk were asked about if they had any advice for future marching band members hoping to perform well, Maya stated, “Just remember that every other band kid out there has had the same nerves, just push through it and try your best,” and Cailey stated, “Take deep breaths and if you are going to do it, Give it your all.”

Overall, it seems this experience has been worthwhile for our band members, even with their struggles and setbacks they persevered through it and placed at a mighty 3rd place. This shows the resilience of our Marching band members and lets hope we keep improving and shoot for first next year.