What’s better than football? A half-time entertainment show about football, of course.

This year, the marching band came out with a bang, revealing to everyone their brand new, ten-minute show for this year’s half-time entertainment at football games. For a show that the band created in just one month, it proved to be fresh, original, and something the audience thoroughly enjoyed.

It all started in July, when new and old band and colorguard members made their way to the school for eight-hour days full of blood, sweat, and tears. Band camp lasted for two weeks: 8 hours a day for the first week, and five hours each day for the second week. Camp concluded a week later, when the band was called for a nine-hour practice on a Saturday to show off to their friends and family what they had accomplished in those two very long weeks.

“Initially band camp is hard work because you have to learn drill and choreography, but as the weeks go on, you begin to get more comfortable with your band members and the work. Overall, band camp is a great experience which produces great memories,” senior Anshena Latimore explained.

Once the first week of school started, the band resigned to three hour practices on Tuesday and Thursday, and a two hour practice on Mondays. Band director Mr. Williams dedicated these practices to hard work and managing to finish drill for the entire show. Before everyone knew it, the show was finally complete and everyone could breathe again.

“It was very exciting to learn everything was done. Everyone could feel a sense of accomplishment for finally finishing the show,” junior Delaney Turner related.

As August 22nd rolled around, everyone jumped with joy to finally be able to show off all of the hard work and dedication that had taken place for eight hours a week, and cheer on our fabulous football team on their very first game of the season. As the band stepped onto the field at halftime for the first time this year, the energy and excitement was palpable. Considering it was the first performance for some, the show ended up being quite successful.

“The first show is always one of the most exciting shows that we perform because it’s new and it’s different from practicing on a blacktop without an audience. It makes you realize the reason that we practice so hard every week and it gives everyone motivation to perfect the show,” senior Lucy Clay, section leader of the colorguard, responded.

Even though August 22nd was an exciting day filled with nerves, September 5th marked the first home game and was therefore the first time all of North Cobb would see half the show: the colorguard’s reveal of their brand new costumes (costumes weren’t seen until the first home game due to hot weather). As halftime approached, it was finally time for the student body to decide whether they loved or hated the theme and performance.

“I think the audience loved the show because there were many aspects that people could relate to with the theme or evening seeing the kicking man since Ohio State did it,” senior drum major Mia Jordan explained.

As the season continued, so did the practices and hard work. As the band got used to performing at the football games, there was one aspect some members had not experienced yet: competitions. In past years, the North Cobb marching band won several awards, including grand champions at a handful of competitions, and placing in the top three at others, so anyone could imagine how crucial it was to carry on the tradition in promoting the success of the band to other areas.

“Over the years the band has won quite a load of trophies and medals. It’d be nice to end my last season of marching band getting even more trophies and showing other bands what we’ve worked so hard for,” senior Miranda Oliveri answered.

Every year in October, McEachern holds a showcase they call Exhibition, for different marching bands in the county to show off their show and to help them prepare for future competitions. This year the event was held after school on October 13th. No awards or trophies were presented, but the feeling of accomplishment was shared throughout the band that night.

“I thought it was a great experience being able to see other peoples shows, performing with other bands, and being able to see how other schools’ band programs are,” senior Chris Logan said.

After exhibition, with only one week of preparation, North Cobb marchers became physically and emotionally ready for the next three back-to-back Saturday competitions. The band would attend Western Carolina on October 18th, TBA on October 25th, and BOA Super Regional at the Georgia Dome on November 1st.

The first Saturday was especially tough, considering the band had to be at the school at 7:45 am. The buses arrived late and everyone was severely rushed as soon as the buses had stopped at their final destination. To add to the dilemmas, the wind blew fairly hard, meaning more work and sacrifice for the color guard. The band ended up not making the finals; however, it was only the first competition and there were two more to come.

“We were all upset because of all the hard work that we put into it, but I know that next year will be better and I’m looking forward to it,” junior Jack Parker exclaimed.

After learning from the struggles of the Western Carolina competition, the band moved forward from the past and attended TBA at McEachern the following Saturday. The performed show was a success, but it was the award ceremony that would determine the fate. The North Cobb Marching Band ended up placing 3rd overall, which was a huge improvement from the last weekend. After receiving the trophy and awards, the band headed back to the school to show off their new souvenir that they would display proudly on a shelf in the band room for all to see.

“Winning third overall really lifted our spirits up after the mishap of the last competition. It was a great feeling to be rewarded for all of our hard work that showed through going up against all of those other bands,” junior Katie Bearden acknowledged.

The last competition of the season finally approached and it was time to show off all of the last minute changes of the show. It was a new experience for the band performing in the Georgia Dome, but they didn’t let their nerves get to them. After giving it their all, the performance was astounding and the NC team was proud. Even though the performance was fabulous, there were other bands across the country that were better and North Cobb ended up leaving empty handed, as the competition season came to a close.

“I’m sad that the season is over but am content in knowing that everyone gave their all to make this season all that it could be and more,” senior Charli Dunlap replied.