Marching is more than just walking across a field. Marching while playing an instrument takes concentration and determination. Maintaining a 8-to-5 stride isn’t easy (That’s insider talk for taking eight steps each five yards).
When marching there are many things you have to pay attention to. For example making sure you’re an equal distance between two people. Being sure to start with the left foot, and always stay on tempo. Always maintain proper body posture and do not look at the ground and maintain a good focal point and keep your head held high… Be proud! It will take many hours of practice to master marching.
I’m have been a member of SSHS Wildcat Marching Band for 3 years. It was been a challenging experience. When I first started marching my freshman year I didn’t enjoy marching. If found it difficult, and it seemed pointless. We would practice for hours in the summer in the blistering heat. And the water breaks were not as frequent as everyone would have liked. We finished strong after each practice. We would learn and memorize each set carefully and always gave help when someone needed it. Eventually I got the hand of marching, started to love it, and wanted to keep on learning. I am 100% ready to start practice this summer. I owe it all to my band director Mr. Mac. He is the best band directer I have known.
Story by Molly Clegg, HS Intern
