Marching Band: The Results of Winning
October 19th, 2024- Oliver Haddara
Members of the band following their victory
Some say there isn’t a better feeling than winning, and the marching band folks definitely agree. This past Saturday, our incredible Marching Husky Marching Band competed at East Lincoln High School. After taking home minimal trophies at their first two competitions, they swept every category this time, winning 1st percussion, 1st drum major, 1st music, 1st visual, and 1st overall in their class. I had the pleasure of witnessing the smiles and the excitement on the faces of our marchers after their success. Winning boosts the confidence and self-esteem of some of the first-year marchers, and it seems they will continue to come out of their shells and perform at a higher level every day. Amari Smith, a freshman clarinet player, commented on how she felt on Saturday, “I was filled with a great deal of joy. I am very proud of the work that we accomplished and the show we put on for everyone to see.” After working hard and reaching their goals, they must work even harder and make new goals for their next competition.
Despite the victory, there are still obstacles to continue performing at the highest possible level. Placing first can insert a sense of satisfaction in the minds of individuals in every circumstance and often leads to feeling relaxed and complete despite more work needing to be done. This is a major psychological phenomenon that affects athletes in every sport and competition event. I talked to Gavin Schible, the senior percussion captain, about how this phenomenon affects the band directly.
Me: Do you believe the mood in the band changes after we win?
Gavin: Yes
Me: Describe that for me.
Gavin: Some members of the band seem relaxed and work less hard after we win at a competition.
Me: I agree, some of us forget that there is so much more to do.
Gavin: Yep.
The many trophies of the Hough Marching Band
The Hough Marching Band rehearsing in the Hough parking lot
It's great that they're aware of this because they can work and find ways to fix it as a community. I talked to members of the student leadership team about how they can continue to motivate the band and prevent stagnant progression. Jskye Quiñones, one of the Drum Majors, plans to show videos of the highest-scoring bands in the state to show that they have the potential to exceed their current accomplishments at the local level. This will hopefully help them recognize that they must continue moving forward and progressing.
Using this philosophy, the marchers can ensure they grow and meet their potential. On that note, the marching band will put on an amazing show at their final competition at Porter Ridge High School on October 26th, and I encourage all of you to come out and support.