Nearly every day after school, the marching band and color guard can be found in Marx stadium practicing their performance, which can be seen at the halftimes of friday night varsity football games. It takes a lot to keep things running as smoothly as possible. Marching band is like a machine; it has many working parts that come together for multiple purposes. It consists of the instrumentalists, color guard, visual ensemble and drum majors. Working together, they bring meaning to the old adage, “it takes a village.”

The first part of the WHHS Marching Blue & Gold machine is the instrumentalists. They spend countless hours on and off the field memorizing their music and rehearsing for shows and competitions.

In his fourth year as a member of the marching band, SENIOR Elijah Dage said that the parts he least enjoyed are the long nights of rehearsal. “We go nine to five on Saturdays,” Dage said. However, he finds it extremely rewarding when the group comes together working toward a common goal.

Color guard is another important element of the Marching Blue & Gold. Members of the color guard are part of a highly skilled group that add to the spectacle of the show by performing a choreographed dance of waving brightly colored flags and spinning wooden or plastic rifles.

Cha’La Bucalo is leading the guard, in her first year as caption head. She is looking forward to the Forest Hills performance on Oct. 26. As far as preparation goes, the guard has seventh bell band and in this time, they catch up on anything they miss and make sure they know what to do. Bucalo takes home the drill sheets and listens to the show while marking down what the guard needs to practice.

Bucalo says the season has been good so far and the guard is definitely doing some harder things than before but she also wants the guard to walk off the field feeling like that they did their best and that they looked good doing it just as they are pushing Bucalo to become an even better instructor.

Drum major, the beating heart of the band, plays a significant role in the Marching Blue & Gold. This position is one of leadership, and he or she is responsible for conducting the band’s entire performance.

In her second year as a senior drum major, SENIOR Jaylee Sowders, who works alongside Christine McDay, ‘21, and Chaya Jones, ‘21 , said that she is looking forward to future competitions as this is one of her favorite seasons yet. But Sowders’ personal goal is “getting more involved with the school and the student body to make it a community for as many people as possible.”

Last but not least, a part of the Marching Blue and Gold that can’t always be seen but is always at work is the visual ensemble. Visual ensemble is responsible for all props involved in the season’s performances. This includes setting and moving people and equipment, maintenance and helping with the sound equipment when needed.

It is important to notice the leadership in Bryce Allen, ‘16, visual ensemble coach, Richard Canter and Andrew Peoples, Marching Blue & Gold directors. Allen and Peoples have been leading for three years while Canter for five. Allen is excited for the Buckeye Invitational at Ohio State. He is preparing by making sure that his communication with everyone is the best that it can be. Canter is very hopeful and excited for the Blue & Gold “to continue the tradition of excellence as we continue to grow in size.” Currently, he has the help of 14 amazing staff members and the participation of 158 band members, who come together to work five times a week.

This season, the marching band has already performed three halftime shows and their competition season started Sept. 28, the day of the Buckeye Invitational. Make sure to come and see the WHHS Marching Blue & Gold at halftime and during their competitions. To see their upcoming performance you can catch them at the Homecoming game on Friday, Oct. 4.

Disclaimer: In the interest of transparency, Alonzo Montgomery, ‘23, Chyna Smith, ‘22, and Isabella Zinchini, ‘22 are members of the WHHS Marching Blue & Gold.