Etowah High School’s amazing band is not just about performing at football games. Throughout the season, the band visits many different tournament style competitions. For the bands last competition, they took a trip down to Carrollton High School, where they won third overall for band percussion and color guard.Even when the marching band is not on the field, band members still play with electrifying talent and showmanship. There is never a dull moment with the band rocking in the stands at home games. Even when the score does not go Etowah’s way, the band still knows how to keep spirits up and students entertained.Marching band is not just all fun and games. Here is a close up of the flutes, clarinets and tubas. Although the marchers are on the clock, they still take the time to lift their instruments to cheer on the football team.In this quick snapshot, a small portion of the band is shown receiving their trophies after a hard-fought competition. While they enjoy playing for their fans, the band members enjoy earning awards for their dedication even more. Some may say that perfect is impossible, but the Etowah marching band comes pretty close to it. Each day, the band puts in many hard-working hours.Watching the band is always fun, but picking out shining freshmen is even better. Front and center is Lily Champion in the flute section. She has played an instrument for a few years, but this is her first year as a member of the marching band. “This season was tough because we were new to this (band), but all of us made progress in some way,” Lily Champion, freshman, said. In the top left of the picture, Meghan Findlay is showing her school spirit with face paint.The marching eagles always look snazzy on game day, especially with the huge plumes, better known as feathers, on their hats.A close up look at the band’s choreography shows that it is not all about the footwork and music. Each member of the band is tasked with learning their part of the performance to make sure everything is synchronized just right. Sometimes the sun causes problems, so some of the band resort to wearing sunglasses to shield their eyes.The percussion section plays an intricate role in band cohesion, they keep everyone on beat. Without the drums to count off the rhythm, the rest of the band may not keep perfect time.The tambourine is a little but mighty part of the percussion section of the band. The surprising bang on a tambourine followed by the jingle of the metal discs is a lighthearted representation of the lightning crack in this year’s Thunderbolt and Lightning half time show.
Hey y’all! I’m Sophia Wilkins, I’m a freshman this year, and I’m elated to be a part of The Talon! In addition to writing, I enjoy spending my free time playing basketball, as well as hanging out with friends. I also enjoy hiking, camping, and kayaking!
