Gallery • 15 Photos

By Anika Roy

Lined up and evenly spaced, the saxophone section plays their part in “Viva la Vida” by Coldplay.

The band competed at Emporia State University in the Emporia State Marching Festival on Wednesday, Oct. 3, where the band earned a one ranking and placed third against many other local high school bands.

The band performed “The Phoenix” by Fall Out Boy, “Viva la Vida” by Coldplay and “Uprising” by Muse. Junior and alto saxophone player Joey Gillette was pleased with the overall performance.

“As a band, we had a strong showing,” Gillette said. “After winning last year, a one plus a third place podium finish was really good.”

After the band performed their routine, they watched Emporia State’s college band play and then received their awards. Gillette felt that the event’s structure was beneficial for students.

“The event was very well organized and a great showcase of Emporia State’s marching program,” Gillette said. “From the schedule to their band performing, they did a great job of putting together a nice festival.”

Although the band performed well, junior and trombone player Aidan Taylor believed the performance could still be improved.

“The band had some spots we messed up on that we’ve definitely worked on a lot in the past,” Taylor said.

After the band’s performance at Emporia State University, they have turned their attention to the next major band competition: the Central States Marching Festival at Kansas State University on Saturday, Oct. 6. Gillette anticipates the band will rise to the occasion.

“A few things definitely need to be improved on,” Gillette said. “But, our band was definitely happy with our results.”