The 2021 Rockbridge County Wildcat Marching Band recently ended their spring marching season. On Friday, April 23, 2021, families and friends were invited into the Wildcat stadium to see a performance of the marching band’s show. The drill was written by Jerry Phelps, Music Orchestration and Drum line arrangement was written by John Wilson, and Color Guard choreography was written by Harmony Quiotech. Along with a preview of their show, an awards ceremony was conducted, and roses were handed out to senior marchers.

Sophomore student Dee Montgomery, has been a part of the drum line in the RCHS Marching Band for three years. “After three months of hard work, we presented our final show to our families and friends,” said Dee. “In our show, we performed two songs, being High Hopes by Panic at the Disco and Give Me Everything Tonight by Pitbull.” 

Dee says that the Marching band has life-long impacts for all who join. 

“The best part about Marching band was making friendships that will last a lifetime. I have known some of the people that graduated for years thanks to marching band,” said Dee. 

While the Marching band can be hard work, games are also played that allow members to grow closer. “The thing I will miss most from the 2021 Marching Season would have to be  the fun we had. Even though marching band is hard work, we had so much fun,” said Dee. “The games we played will always have a special place in my mind.” 

Marching band seniors also make up an important part of the band. “The hardest part about this year is losing our seniors. So many of them have been in band for so long. I know it’s hard for them, and it was hard for me,” said Dee. “The seniors made me feel so welcome on my first day of band camp. I will never forget their kind smiles and their encouragement.”

Marching band is also a place where you can grow your knowledge in marching, and have a good time doing it as well. 

“Marching band members are the kindest people I have ever met. They go out of their way to make sure everyone is happy, safe, and having fun,” said Dee. “The band director is amazing and gives plenty of time for new marchers to learn the basics. While this season wasn’t as long as previous years, it was still very fun.” 

Plans for conducting next year’s season have already been put in place. Interest forms for the 2021-2022 Marching Band Season have been sent out to the RCHS student body.