As the heat of the summer sun shines down on the practice field, students reset once again as they go through another rep of their performance. The booming beats of the metronome tick in sync with the subtle whispers of the participants, reminding them of what count they were on as they marched to the music. 

During the time students prepared for the upcoming school year, Godwin’s Marching Band worked extra hard. Students from all grade levels came to school in mid-July to set up the amazing halftime shows seen during our highly anticipated football season. Their days of preparation consisted of setting drills, practicing music and routines, and perfecting costumes and props to fit this year’s theme. 

Godwin’s Band Director Derek Ramsey has worked with Godwin’s Marching Band for six years and counting. “I knew I wanted to be a Band Director since the eighth grade, and I enjoyed helping other people when I was in eighth grade and then I decided that’s what I wanted to do as a career ”  Ramsey later speaks on the theme for this year, Wild West. “It was inspired by a couple different drumcore shows, one being the Relentless show from Carolina Crown and also one other show. I kind of got this Western vibe from it,” 

Godwin senior and co-drum major Davis Hollister speaks to the newspaper about Hell Week, a full week at the beginning of August where students come to school and practice all day for the season. “From 8 am to 12 pm, we learn visuals and our drill for the show. From 12 to 1, we have lunch which is usually catering. From 1 to 3, we would do sectionals and full ensemble rehearsals. From 3 to 5 we would have a break where we could hang out with other band members or just relax. From 5-8, we have a full ensemble rehearsal outside where we play and march in preparation for the year,” said Hollister.

As a result of all that hard work on the practice field, all students can enjoy a riveting show during the football season! Godwin junior and Color Guard captain Miriam Ainsa said she enjoys “competitions and performing for the marching band.” Ainsa notes that the atmosphere is fun, and the judge’s feedback always helps them grow as performers. 

Godwin senior Ryan Gordan said, “Participating in band can be a good extracurricular for colleges to see and consider.” Many colleges look for applications that stand out and are different from others. Most of these students have been in marching band since freshman year. This shows admission officers that a student is dedicated, hardworking, and has valuable teamwork skills.

As with most things in life, with the highs, there are always some lows. Gordon said, “It gets very hot and sometimes people will pass out or need a break in the middle of practicing.” Hollister also adds, “It’s difficult to keep morale high sometimes and to ensure everyone stays disciplined.” Many students can see it as a challenge to stay focused and repeat the same movements for hours on end. The need to be perfect is overwhelming and gets to the best of us. Godwin senior Luke Altman said, “It’s challenging sometimes when new people can’t understand things quickly, but we work on things throughout the week and people can improve.” 

Lights shine down on the field as marchers stand at position one, calming their nerves as they begin their show in front of a crowd of students and spectators. As much as things get them down, the Godwin Marching Band always finds the courage to keep going, advance onto the field, and perform the best they can!