Left, left, left, right, left, the Papillion Lavista High School marching band members are taking important steps to prepare for their upcoming summer marching season.

Just this past week seasoned members of the marching band tried out for the chance to be their section’s leader, for many this position has been a goal they have set for themselves.

“I’ve been thinking about becoming section leader since freshman year,” Junior Emily Lindseth said.

Becoming a section leader is a right of passage for determined juniors. Each year the title gets passed on along with its responsibilities.

“You have to teach the incoming freshman new (marching concepts) and make sure (existing members) remember the techniques,” Junior Sam Binkley said.

Prospective section leaders must first complete a list of goals they have for their section, they then must demonstrate a marching concept for another band student.

“I was really stressed but I shouldn’t have been” Lindseth said “ it went better than I thought it was gonna.”

For some sections the title of section leader is harder to achieve because of the amount of prospective juniors auditioning.

“There are lots of other people that try out too,” Lindeth said, “so you don’t know if you’re going to get (the position) or not.”

Since the marching season ended late last fall it’s important that future section leaders who are trying out brush up on their marching skills.

“Before my audition I went over marching techniques I might have had to teach,” Binkley said.

After the process of trying out for section leader has passed many of the auditioners had tips and advice for future section leaders who wish to audition.

“Know your marching fundamentals,” Lindseth said “And speak loudly”.

Although the process of auditioning is stressful, getting the position has its benefits.

“I’m most looking forward to having sectionals and getting to know everyone,” Lindseth said.

As the upcoming season marches forward hopefully these future seniors will get the chance to lead their section to greatness.