McPherson High School Marching band is preparing to go to K-State to compete at the Central State Marchings Festival competition on Saturday Oct 4.

Some things they have been doing to prepare are practices every day before school starting at 7:30. “We have an hour of band every day so probably five hours a week ” Layla Rank, a Drum major .

Leading up to the competition the band must learn to collaborate to have their performance sync up. From starting to learn the music to coordinating the march they must be patient with each other.

Team work skills are very important to a band, because during marching they have to rely on each other to correct and learn from themselves. “I feel like we have good teamwork because we help correct each other. ” Meeah Fritzemeier, a freshman in band.

Each band member has their own thoughts about being prepared for the competition. Freshman are anxious due to the first time competing in high school. Sophomores and Juniors are usually more comfortable since they have experienced competitions last year. Seniors being more familiar with the format are the example of what the band should mimic.

Many people are also very excited about going to the first competition this year. “It is just fun to show everyone how hard we worked” says Layla

The MHS band members are individually successful but as a whole band they are prepared to go to K-State.

Although the band members are anxious about the competition, they feel prepared. “I feel like I’m prepared, I feel like the whole band is prepared.” Says Laya