When football and competition season comes to an end, it can be hard for the marching band to stay active. This year Ms. Thomas, the band director, and Mr. Smart, the assistant director, implemented “Band Wars” as a way to make sure students stay active, earn their P.E. credit, and have fun doing so.

Jenny Baldwin, a flute and piccolo player said, “Band Wars is Ms. Thomas’s way of making the physical fitness test fun. Not only do we have to do the mile run, push-ups, etc., we also do field day like activities.”

During band wars, the different sections of the band split up into teams and competed in multiple activities, such as push-ups, curl ups, and the mile run. During these exercises, the freshman results were recorded for their physical fitness test. They also competed in more relaxed activities like a game called Human Pretzel.  Ms. Thomas said, “Each section wore their section colors, some even had face paint and capes!  They completed the four required events along with some fun games as well, like “Captain on Deck,” “Balloon Stomp,” and “Human Pretzel.”  It was great to see the sections come together to complete each challenge and encourage each other.”

With the added exercises and competition the students actually looked forward to taking the physical fitness test. Some students were skeptical at first. Michelle Leroy, a freshman and clarinet player said, “When Ms. Thomas first told us about it I didn’t really think it would be fun… It turned out to be a pretty fun group of events. It will probably become a tradition for band that students look forward to.”

Band Wars is also a great way for students to prepare for their upcoming performance at The Russell Athletic Bowl in Orlando, FL. Ms. Thomas said, “‘An invitation to perform is the highest possible honor given to a high school music program.'” In their latest competition the marching band won 6th place out of over 25 competing bands. They were also awarded Best Overall visual.