Our Heritage High School Legion of Generals Marching Band won their last two competitions with their show, “Blue.” At the competition in Tunnel Hill, they were Grand Champions in the gold division for both color guard and marching band.
Marching band competitions are divided based on the size of the band. Usually, the Legion of Generals are in the largest division, but this year the band was smaller, so they went into open class, which is a division for experienced bands to perform at an advanced level. The Legion received the highest individual rates you can get for the band. At two out of three of the competitions, they were also Grand Champions, which means they scored better than any other bands competing.
Band director Bill Wynn mentioned how they always have to be ready and how they never know who will be there, so they must prepare extensively. The Legion of Generals often compete with bands from Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee, so they must be marching their best. Mr. Wynn was glad to be able to get revenge against Cleveland and said, “Nobody was able to top us.” The marching band performed beautifully this marching season, many band members say that their last competition was the band’s best!
Some may wonder how the band has done so well throughout the years. Well, trumpet and drum major, Nicholas Anchondo, said, “I think that all the success that we’ve had in the past couple years just drives me to continue.” All of the work these band members put into perfecting the show is admirable. They are required to practice marching after school outside in the heat, and their summer break is shortened due to the summer band camp they attend to prepare for the marching season. Marching band members have to memorize music and choreography while balancing school and social life.
The color guard must also work hard to get those flag tosses just right, and to keep their movements in time with the band. The color guard also has to practice outside of school, memorize their choreography, and which flags to use when. With the marching season ending, and the concert season beginning, we look back on all the halftime performances and competitions and appreciate how well the marching band and color guard have done this year.
At the competitions, the band either scored first, second, or third, and Grand Champion along with color guard. Their impressive performances and hard work have been rewarded with all of these awards that carry on the Legion of Generals’ legacy. We can’t wait to see what next year’s marching season brings us with new members joining and old ones leaving.
Being a part of the band isn’t easy, but all this hard work pays off in the end when they become Grand Champions once again!
