Being a member of the LHS marching band has always been a mark of pride, and this school year proves to be no different. This year’s show, “Moving to Mars”, appears to be a hit with students, band members and competition judges who gave the LHS band first place in every category of the Pursuit of Excellence competition in Marshall, MN.

This year’s marching band consists of 264 students, and even with that many people they managed to be prepared for competition season on time. Senior drum major Megan LeMaster believes that overall the LHS marching band has been better prepared for competition this year than they were last year.

“Last season at this point, we were still adding so many different components to our show, but this year we already have everything ready and I think we’re more prepared,” said LeMaster. “To prepare for the [Pursuit of Excellence] competition, we practiced with the mindset that nothing is guaranteed, and that even though we were the biggest band there, some other band could have easily beaten us.”

As every senior gets to do at some point in their various activities, LeMaster gets to participate in her final marching band season as a LHS Patriot. This can bring many memories and emotions, and LeMaster reflects on her favorite parts of the season.

“One of my favorite parts of being in band is getting to watch the freshman improve so much during the season,” said LeMaster. “They start the season not knowing anything about marching band, and by the time the first competition comes around, you can’t even tell who the freshmen are anymore.”

Overall, being a part of an activity that is a legacy like the LHS marching band is an honor, but the competitions, wins and losses are not what will be remembered. The friendships created and the memories made are what members will take away from their experience.

“One of my favorite parts of the year is the bus rides on the way to different competitions,” said LeMaster. “It’s a great time to get to know the people on your bus and to get to spend time with band people, without having to be in the rehearsal mindset.”