Oakdale’s marching band plays at halftime for varsity football games every other week, as well as pep rallies and sometimes other school events. Many don’t know about the other side of the marching band’s career: the competitions.

The marching band participates in competitions that are scored based on their performance against other schools. An incredible amount of practice goes into preparation for these performances, although the band has already won four competitions.

While some may have passion for playing instruments, others join bands for the social aspects as well.

Sophomore Donovan Corbett voiced, “I like marching band for the friends I have made along the way.”

In addition to learning the pieces, the marching band practices choreography and coordination. Everyone has to be coordinated not only to their section, but with other sections as well.
There are several sections including: percussion, woodwinds, and brass instruments. In each section there is a section leader. This leader directs their section when it comes to group activities.

Micah Diaz explained the dedication it takes to being a part of the band: “The hardest part about marching band for me is the time it takes to practice drums.” Diaz was a part of the drumline freshman year and has been with the band since. He currently plays the snare drum – a flat drum that makes a pinging sound.

The Oakdale marching band’s season is coming to a close soon with the end of the fall sports season. Some may continue privately in the winter, other members may practice and work on their skills, and for a select few this will be their final year.