Marching Band Exhibition

WG's Marching Warriors Band took the field on Tuesday, September 10th. Their work and dedication definitely paid off. On Tuesday, the Marching Warriors traveled to Monroe Area High School for their season showcase. 
by Makenzie Bass

The Grove’s Marching Band took the field for this season’s presenting of their 2024 show, Night At The Bazaar. According to members, the staff are very encouraging and uplifting when it comes to practices, and that is why they are able to get so much done and stay hyped. Mikayla Gilliam (10) shares that she  “... loves all the staff, especially Mr. Reidling, because he is very helpful, always giving people tips and pointers to make them better and he brings a new perspective to different moves and gives it a deeper meaning.” Hudson Smith (11) answered, “[The Staff] all help me grow. Mr. Tillar, our woodwind instructor, gives us like a million different inspirational quotes a day, and he just brings a lot of different perspectives which is really cool.”

There are many components in the band. Jordan Roberts (11) says, “The color guard is the visual part of the show. We have all the flags and pretty uniforms.” Hudson (11) adds, “I like [playing tuba] because we are like the foundation of all the sounds of the band.” Each instrument has a different role; without even one of them, the band couldn’t run smoothly.

​Nerves were high as the Warriors were preparing. Kaylie Weaver (11) was “...really nervous for my solo. I’m always nervous about it and I’m especially nervous about it tonight because there are all sorts of bands there and it’s other musicians, so they know what to listen to.” Kaylie’s solo is the first thing played when the show begins. Sidney Ellis (12) said, “I’m nervous about people messing up. We are trying to be one of the best, if not THE best band in Walton County and I’m worried about small mistakes that could potentially dock points.” 

​Unanimously, the part of the season many are excited about is Competitions. The Marching Warriors have three competitions this season, going head to head with bands from across the state. Hudson (11) says, “I’m most excited about going to all of our competitions and getting to see all the people play their marching band performances. Last year we had a really early one in the competition season and not all of the shows we saw were good. All of the comps are later in the season this year, so hopefully, there will be some really good performances.”

The Marching Warriors were honored to raise awareness for the recent heartbreak at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, GA. In memory of the tragedy, they “banded” together and wore ribbons in Apalachee’s school colors to offer support and hope for the future of their school.