Whenever, students attend a football game at Panther Stadium, they always see the Panther Pride marching band bringing spirit and enthusiasm in the stands or on the field at halftime. However, their season does not only consist of the Friday night lights.

The marching band attends a variety of competitions to perform their full show against other high school marching bands and get feedback from a panel of judges. In the 2014-15 school year, the Panther Pride won two Grand Champion titles at Northgate High School’s Valhalla Classic as well as the Creekview Classic.

This season, the marching band is striving for the same success they were able to achieve last year. “I am most looking forward to the exemplary performances displayed by our talented performers,” band director Scott King said.

The theme of this year’s performance is “Concerto for Orchestra.” Composed by the Hungarian composer Béla Bartók, this piece differs from King’s previous self-composed arrangement of “When I Met You” from last year’s show.

“I love how this year’s music has a lot of expression. It is very unconventional when it comes to marching band music, and the drill just shows what the band can do,” senior drum major Brian McKillip said. “While it’s never perfect from the start, we’re all working toward that. The music really forces us to grow as musicians, marchers and people.”

Unlike last year’s composition, this year’s show doesn’t have a defined theme and story, which leaves the interpretation of the music open to the audience. “Last year, there was a set story, but this year, there is not a direct theme,” junior color guard member Maddy Hammond said. “Mr. King had to use his creativity and interpretations of that music to put the show together.”

The marching band members practiced during summer instrument sectionals and gathered for an intensive band camp from July 27-31.

In band camp, the different sections of instruments and color guard work on their pieces and choreography separately. They come together later to work on their placement on the field. “The students have been working on skills and techniques to help them better perform the music, visually represent the music and march the drill,” King said.

Band camp gives the different sections time to bond as well. “At band camp, we practiced countless repetitions of our music and had fun goofing off together,” junior percussion member Jackson Elling said.

On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and the occasional Saturday of every week, the 98 dedicated members of the marching band prepare their music and field placement for hours while finding ways to have fun in the process. After long practices, the different sections have dinner together. “The after school practices really helps me personally with time management,” Hammond said. “They are a lot of work, but they make us better.”

The marching band is under the student leadership of McKillip, who was the junior drum major last year. “The thing I’m looking most forward to for this season is just the transformation I get to witness,” McKillip said. “It all starts with notes and drill spots on paper. It just evolves into such an amazing performance as each member develops themselves and works their hardest to create an amazing show that everyone is proud of.”

Senior Alexis Halm will be his assistant drum major this season. “My favorite part about being a drum major is that I get to experience every aspect of our show and the work that goes into it,” Halm said.

Both McKillip and Halm have marched in Panther Pride all four years. “My four years of marching band has shaped who I am today,” McKillip said. “Back during freshman year, I was just a shy trombone player, and I would have never thought that I could get to where I am.”

From the beginnings of their band experiences to their senior year, Halm and McKillip have loved every aspect of marching band.

“Being a drum major is different than marching because now I get a better sense of what the show looks and sounds like, whereas before, I only knew my part and the parts around me,” Halm said.  “I get to see what all goes into making the show happen and it makes me even more proud to be part of something so amazing.”

Through their almost-daily practices, Friday night performances and band competitions, members of Panther Pride have grown together. “The band is just full of positive influences that just allow people to grow into themselves and seek out their own greatness,” McKillip said. “It’s been a great experience up to now and I feel like I have made my mark on the band, and I hope that by the end of the season, I will be one of those members who people aspire to be like.” 

Panther Pride will perform again at the first home football game on Sept. 4 at 7:30 against Fayette County High School, and their first competition is on Sept. 26.