The Washington High School Marching Band is getting back into the rhythm as they’ve spent the last two weeks preparing for the fall season with band camp.

The band is almost starting from scratch as last year they did not do any marching formations in their performances and no competitions were held because of COVID-19. Senior Drum Major Mateo Salazar shares how band practices have gone so far, “I feel like we’ve been doing a good job. Attendance has probably been the main issue. It’s kind of hard to get everyone here, but we’re getting stuff done and we’re being productive and I’m glad with how the season is going so far.”

This year’s show is titled “Orpheus,” composed by Marching Demon alum John Flannery and tells about the Greek prophet. Junior Drum Major Bailey Rees says they have an ensemble of hard workers, and she looks forward to the new year, “We’re kind of getting back to normal which I’m really happy about. I’m excited to do all the competitions, specifically the one where we have two competitions in one day, Mount Pleasant and Fort Madison, that’s always a big day and really fun. As well as the Pella parade which is really hot but exciting.”

The band and color guard is comprised of approximately 65 students this year, under the direction of Don Hughes with assistance from middle school band teacher Craig McClenahan. The Marching Demons will perform at every home varsity football game beginning on September 3rd, and you can hear more from Salazar and Rees during Monday’s Halcyon House Washington Page.