Making the Band

For the Marietta High School Marching Band, the road to the first competition of the 2025 season is paved with dedication, sweat, and more than 225 hours of hard work. Long before the first football game and well before the opening notes rang out at their debut performance, the band members were already on the field—practicing under the summer sun to build something bigger than themselves.

A Sweltering Start

The journey began in July, when the Marietta Marching Band kicked off its annual band camp. For new members, it was an introduction to the fundamentals of marching: posture, step size, and basic drill formations. For veterans, it was a refresher that quickly advanced into complex drills and choreography. Every day was filled with music rehearsals, physical conditioning, and countless repetitions of steps designed to unify dozens of individuals into a single moving ensemble.

By the time the school year started, the band had already logged over 100 hours of practice—and they were just getting started. Weekly rehearsals and weekend camps continue and will add up to more than 225 hours before their first competition on October 4 at Whitewater High School.

Music in Motion

One of the most demanding parts of the season is memorizing the music. Every student must commit their parts to memory, allowing them to focus on visual elements and choreography without relying on sheet music. This year’s show combines classical selections with contemporary pieces, weaving together a story that requires both precision and emotion. The choreography—layered on top of the music—means that students aren't just playing instruments; they're telling a story through motion.

A Team of Many, Moving as One

A marching band show isn’t about individual talent—it’s about how the musicians come together. Every note and every step matters. From woodwinds and brass to percussion and color guard, every section is learning how their unique role fit into the larger picture. A single misstep could throw off the visual design, and a missed entrance could disrupt the musical flow. Over the course of the past weeks, the students have quickly learned the importance of trust, discipline, and communication in creating a show built on harmony.

Ready for the Spotlight

As the Marietta Marching Band makes final prepartatoins to take the field for their 2025 competition season, they carry with them the hours of preparation and the bonds forged along the way. The audience will see polished formations and hear powerful music—but for the students, the real reward is knowing what it took to get there.

The Marietta Marching Band is not just making music. They’re making the band—one note, one step, and one unforgettable season at a time.