Practice, refinery, and assorted brass voices as one. The Band turned expectations around and in a weekly competition proved that practice pays off, bringing home awards for their ‘Behind the Smile’ performance for the first time during their season. 

The Band organization and its members won awards for their performances at the Charger Classic competition, Sep. 21 . The Band’s last competition is Nov. 9th. 

“It was honestly such a fulfilling feeling to be there to receive the award coming from a not so successful season last year,” Eliana Guajardo, Tuba Section Leader, said. “I know a lot of people were nervous about the first competition, but being able to go back and tell them we got first despite a few hiccups felt encouraging.” 

Nervousness couldn’t be helped, with some members stepping into new roles for the first time, testing their skills and leadership. 

“Transitioning from out on the field to being on the podiums is a bigger change than I realized. Not only is it more responsibility because of your leadership but because everyone is depending on you in certain parts of the show,” Josdaliz Bonilla, Drum Major, said. “When you’re marching you sometimes only really pay attention to yourself so seeing the bigger picture and how it all fits together is really cool.”

 With every member’s unique skills on full display, each had a role to play in bringing home the victory. The band proved its synergy and members expressed pride in the collective’s performance.

“I think everyone is excited for this season in particular because we believe in the show and how it was made,” Guajardo said. “It’s this feeling you get when you know the show is good.”

The season is only a month in, and already members share that even if no more awards are won, they have a place in Band. 

“It’s time consuming, but it’s worth it for the connections and memories you make with not just people in Marshall band but other bands and color guard. While it’s a little cringy, being in Band feels like having a family at school, because there’s always someone of every grade that you can talk to if you need help or advice and there’s always someone there to have your back,” Bonilla said. “For me personally, I consider a handful of people in Band family and I wouldn’t give it up for the world despite how many Saturdays it takes up.”