The Liberty Marching Regiment met in the band room on Sept. 10, with light chatter filling the halls with wary anticipation for the 11 ½ hour day ahead of their group.

Finally, the day was there: the first competition of the 2022-2023 school year, laying ahead of the students with the smell of fresh turf and familiar drill. Juxtaposed were the levels of excitement with the seniority of students.

“I feel like we will do well…we have worked hard,” mulls freshman Sebastian Tabers. “I am a bit nervous, though.” This sentiment was felt among the freshman in particular, as the marching experience is completely new. Yet, the novelty of the amatures this year is met with the nostalgia of our seniors.

Fiona Do (12) remarked, “This is my last first competition. I don’t know how to feel.” The Seckman competition was much prepared for, despite the rapid start to the season. From daily early-morning practices, to 2.5-hour practices every Wednesday, our band has been through rigorous training. 

However, the supportive staff have touched the hearts of these students, including the new assistant band director, Ms. Frein. “The teachers are really encouraging to everyone, they never hold back criticism, or cease to be patient with those who struggle,” commented Jennifer Knapp (12).

The support of our directors has been more crucial than ever, with the challenging performance the regiment has been given. Titled “Pandora’s Box,” the show is centralized around the allure of a mystical chest, within such holds the epitome of wisdom, and the question that hangs with such: is the revealing of ignorance justified in the face of possible knowledge?

In particular, the amount of visuals and choreography being executed by the band itself is immense, compared to the past years.

“[Pandora’s Box] definitely requires much more skill in coordination and acting than many past shows,” expressed Ms. Magno.

After loading the buses, arriving, and warming up, the band was ready to step onto the performance field, where they would be competing against two other marching bands in their division. 

The mood performing here was palpable, different from football games. “Everyone was there to actually see the band,” remarked Megan Geisler (11). Ms. Magno came and gave a final few words, calming the band. “You have prepared for this. Go do your best.” 

The next few minutes went by in a blur, the steps and music they labored over for hours came naturally. Gone was the anxiety, blossoming was confidence and innate muscle memory.

After the performance, the namesake to our band here at Liberty: “The Most Flexible Band in the Land,” was tested, when it rained. Due to this, the other two bands performed indoors, leaving the judges to disregard any visual points for marching.

In the end, our band placed third. While spirits were a bit low, the bus ride home was not a melancholy one. In fact, encouragement rang over the thunder, and every member of the band worked to load the ensemble instruments off of the bus. 

The next day, the band came in, bracing themselves to hear the feedback from their directors. Sitting in an arch, knees digging into the dew of the turf, Ms. Frein offered these words: “Last night was your best rep, you guys looked really good out there. And, at the end of the day, the memories we create here, together, are worth more than any piece of plastic.” The band paused, allowing the sentiment to settle. “That being said, are there things we can improve on?”

Slow smiles grew on their faces as they looked back and forth at each other. “YES!” cried the chorus across the empty field.

We look forward to this new marching season, and are waiting for new opportunities to arise.