Isabelle Usry (12). The drum majors constantly look for ways to make things look or sound cleaner, better, and smoother. “There are always improvements that we can make musically and visually, but making sure everyone has a great attitude going in and the mental focus to perform is essential in competition,” Patrick Ferguson said.

Camille Lofland (12). In the 2021 season, marching band’s 18-wheeler popped a tire on I-270, making them late to the event. They arrived a few minutes prior to their performing time, but missed the other performances. Drum major and senior Patrick Ferguson said, “This year we had a smooth ride to Farmington compared to last year, and this year we had a bigger drive to work harder. We had tied up with another school the week before at Farmington, so this week we worked harder than ever before.” Fontana also said that “it was a really good experience to be able to have a different time there: get there on time, get to warm up, and see other schools perform.”

Dylan Fontana (11). Although they’d won grand champions three years in a row and swept all categories, guard member and junior Dylan Fontana believes there is still room for improvement. “I think some things I could’ve done better were performance and remembering to look up at the press box, look up at the judges, have those eye-lockings with the crowd, and just more energy and character,” they said.

Left: Kyle Manker (11). Middle: Sydney Survansri (12). Right: Janani Kamalakannan (10). Marching band meets before school and during first hour, attends band camp with middle schoolers in June, practices in the hot July and August heat, and into the cold and dark October and November mornings. Still, they stay motivated and strive to perform at their best. “My favorite thing about the marching band is seeing the rewards of all the hours of band camp and school, whether it’s awesome trophies or memories with friends who went through those same hours you did,” Stuart said.

Falisha Markland (11). In a band with over 120 members, they all work together to compete and perform, from an individual level to a sectional level. However, there are moments that bring everyone together. “Along with winning grand champions through tying and getting to chant with the band, getting to celebrate my team and feeling the butterflies in your stomach when they were announcing awards and Grand Champions are definitely my favorite parts about these competitions,“ Fontana said.

Left: Sabrina Jackson (9), Right: Falisha Markland (11). For “Alchemy”, there is usage of smoke machines coming from cauldrons stationed in the back. Trumpet and sophomore Sean Freeman said, “I was really proud of the music and ensemble awards because we had a really strong sound out there on the fields. In this show, we have some really cool props. The cauldrons are a nice addition to the alchemy theme.”

Riley Steinbecker (11). The competition at Fox High School falls around the middle of the marching band season. In the months leading up to Fox, the band perfects their show as much as they can, hoping that by the end of the season, they can look back at their accomplishments, but continue to improve. “The best part about Fox was probably winning. It was really shocking and we were really happy to hear that we won, because a teammate had injured themselves during our performance,” Fontana said. “It was a really anxious time, because what if the school we tied with at Farmington beat us over this? We were so shaken up about our teammate and winning just took a lot of weight off of our shoulders.”

Left: Nix Lindsay (11). Right: Sabrina Jackson (9). During performances, the members of guard reflect on their journey to motivate them through the colder half of the season. “I have so many favorite things about this guard season. I personally love performing,” Fontana said. “Performing has gotten so fulfilling for me that I just love it. I love competing. I love being able to win captions so far, doing chants with the band. Getting to spin equipment that I love, rifle and saber, and getting to improve my skills. I can’t just name one because I love everything about guard.”

Zachary Killion (9). At both competitions, Pride of Pattonville was awarded Best Percussion. Drum major and senior Joey Stuart said, “With how young the battery is and how vital the battery is to the performance of the group, this group has been doing an exceptional job keeping up with the circumstances they’re given.”

Captain Tony Porter Jr. talking tactics with Coach Smith before heading back onto the field to start the second quarter.

Quran Muhammad and his team coming off the field after the first half of the game. Muhammad was eager to start the second half of the game.

Bryan Orta starts of the third quarter with a kick off beating the Wildcats down by 42 points.

DeAndre Rush Jr. celebrating with Lucas Powell Jr. after scoring a touchdown in the beginning of the second quarter.

Daveon Washington congratulating and motivating DeAndre Rush Jr. on his yard gains throughout the game.

August Heiligenstein picking up DeAndre Rush Jr. to celebrate his touchdown in the second quarter.

Pirates shaking hands with the Wildcats after winning 55-8.

Pirates running to celebrate their victory with their fans.