South Warren High School Marching Band prepares for state competition

Drums, horns, and clarinets…

The marching band is a staple at any football game, but many people aren’t aware of how much hard work is involved. 

This Saturday is the end of the competitive marching band season and many local high schools will be competing in semi and state finals. We went to South Warren High School to find out what it takes to become a successful marching band…

Music is something most of us take for granted but for Chris Cecil the band director at South Warren High School, it’s his passion and his career.

 “Making music has always been a part of my life since I was in sixth grade and maybe even earlier. As an educator, I have tried to spend a lot of time instilling that love of music  in our students here in the band program and in the choir.” Says Cecil.

For many years, Mr. Cecil has been leading the marching band on a successful journey. 

He teaches the students more than just music.

 “Not only is it music, but it’s life too. Being in marching band has taught me a lot more than just playing notes and rhythms. It’s taught me how to be a better person and a better teammate. It’s just being a part of something that’s bigger than yourself. It’s just worthwhile and it’s been one of my favorite parts of high school.” Says Kylie Scott, who is a senior in the band.

“Once we have gone out there and performed and we have done everything we can and we worked our hardest. I think all that we can feel is just we are proud of what we did. We can see all the hours we put in and all the time that we have done. We can see how that hard work reflects and I think that really teaches us how far your hard work can go and I just feel really proud of everyone,” says Jacelyn Grimes, who is a senior in the band. 

The South Warren High School marching band has been awarded dozen of trophies, but Mr. Cecil says it’s not all about winning, it’s about the students. 

 “Sometimes the emotions can be tears in your eyes, just because you are so proud of them and sometimes it can be so exciting to know that they are going to come off the field and I can look at them and say ‘how did you feel about that’ and they say ‘we feel great’. Those are my favorite moments. Trophies are trophies, but when I ask the students ‘how do you feel about that performance’ and they feel great inside… that’s how I get a trophy.” Says Cecil. 

The South Warren High School marching band is competing in the semifinals on Saturday in Lexington. Here is a full list of all the area school bands participating:

A
Metcalfe
Russellville 
 
AA
Glasgow
Hart
Edmondson
 
AAA
Franklin-Simpson
Warren East
 
AAAA
South Warren