In their first competition of the season, the Marching Band came in first place overall and won awards for outstanding color guard, music and visuals. 

The next week, they took third place in the Lafayette Contest of Champions. 

Abigail Ohms, drum major, said the second competition, on Sept. 26, differed from the first, on Sept. 18, in a few ways. First, they had sound system issues, strong wind and sunlight in their eyes at Lafayette. Along with that, she said, the competition had stronger bands than the one in Edwardsville. 

Ohms said many band members were unmotivated because, even if they placed well in the competition, they wouldn’t be able to attend the final ceremony because of Homecoming.

“[Our] mindset was slightly off and unfocused, so we didn’t perform to the best of our abilities,” Ohms said. 

She said they had more energy and excitement going into the first competition, which later translated into their show.

“Our pride in our achievements at Edwardsville have shown us how rewarding all of our hard work can be,” Ohms said, “Although our first two competitions were incredibly different experiences, I’m glad that we had them, and I’m excited about our future competitions.”

Ohms enjoys conducting the band’s show, Home, and said the music is one of the best parts.

“I think it fits great with the theme and story, and I always enjoy the clarinet solos in our show,” Ohms said.

Jackson Brusatti, sophomore, plays the sousaphone, a tuba specifically made for marching, and is part of the prop crew. 

“What I like about Home is that it starts off soft and sweet but as it goes on it gets more intense,” Brusatti said. “It’s sort of like watching a movie.”

He helps move the 10 props on and off the field before and after performing in the marching band’s show. The props are the slanted pictures the audience sees by the sidelines of the field and near the percussion section in the back. This year, they have picket fences and clouds in a blue sky displayed on them. 

Christian Pierce, band director, said the band is starting to focus on how they look and sound during a performance. 

“That’s really all marching band’s based on, and our kids are really good at being reflective and applying what they need to do to get better,” Pierce said.

Pierce said he is looking forward to the rest of the season and watching the band improve as a whole. 

The band has performed only their first and second part of the show at the competitions and football games so far. They are planning to work on a third part, which could be performed at the next home football game and future competitions. Their next competition will be on Oct. 9 and 10, and the next home football game is on Oct. 15.