The Monarch Marching Band, lovingly known as the Marching Monarchs, has been preparing for their season since May. The hard work and dedication that all of the members have put into their show “Shattered” is finally paying off.
The competition season for the marching band has gone really well, with the monarchs getting 1st in their division at Wildcat, 6th overall at Titans, and 3rd overall at Starfest, as well as the best percussion award. Senior drum major Hudson Carrico believes that a big part of their success is the wonderful leaders they have this season.
“We have a really good leadership team this year,” Carrico said. “I think that this leadership has allowed us to get really good really fast, and I think you can see that in our competition results.”
Many members of the band are fond of the ongoing season, including senior drum major Cassidy Welsh.
“I’ve really enjoyed it,” Welsh said. “It’s my senior year so I’m really excited to finish off the season with a bang.”
There are countless reasons that students have enjoyed marching band this year, and one of the major highlights for the monarch members is the people they get to be around.
“My favorite part of being in marching band is being able to be a drum major with my BFF Hudson Scott Carrico and Addison Doyle,” Welsh said. “And the friendships that I’ve made and getting to hang out with my friends every weekend.”
Similar to Welsh, sophomore Tessa Nguyen’s favorite part of marching band is the people that she spends a lot of her time with.
“I love my section so much,” Nguyen said. “They’re like a second family to me and if I ever need something I just ask them. I never feel uncomfortable around them.”
Being in a marching band is hard work and a very big commitment, but Nguyen believes that the reward is worth the effort.
“The feeling after finishing a show is always so awesome because I feel like I’ve accomplished something really big,” Nguyen said.
Even though most students in marching band love being a part of the activity, some people might be skeptical about joining because of how much time and effort it requires.
“Definitely do it,” Welsh said. “It’s probably the favorite activity that I’ve had in the four years that I’ve been in high school.”
Since it is almost the end of their last high school season, some of the senior marchers are deciding whether marching band is in their future as they continue their education in college.
“I am thinking about applying for the Cornhusker Marching Band,” Carrico said. “I’m planning on going to UNL and I would definitely love to continue my marching band career.”
With the end of the marching season approaching quickly, the Marching Monarchs are preparing for their final two competitions in Lincoln.
“We have one more competition, and then its state, and that’s it,” Carrico said. “I see really good things happening for us in the future. We’ve done very well at our competitions and if we can get the small things down we can put together a fantastic, perfect show.”