Edmond Santa Fe’s Marching Band has a long history of attending marching competitions during the Fall season. However, many of band’s competitions this year have been cancelled.

The Marching Band has been different this year due to COVID-19, but they have found their groove to work around it and still succeed. The harsh weather this year has also been a challenge, but they have pushed through it to continue preparing  for competitions. Marching Band practices after school for two to four hours during Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday to make sure they are fully prepared.  

“Band practices are needed in order for the team to grow and get better. You have never heard of an athlete sitting at home and improving, so in order for us to improve we need time to practice as a group too,” Senior trumpet player William Hackney said.

Marching band usually has four Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) competitions, but three were cancelled. One competition was cancelled due to weather while the other two were cancelled due to COVID-19. Nonetheless, this did not stop Santa Fe’s Marching Band from receiving superior ratings across the board for their 2020 rendition of “Rocky Point Holiday Music” aptly titled “A Rocky 2020.” 

“Getting superior ratings is one of the best feelings that you can ever have. Just being able to know that all your hard work and dedication has paid off through the whole season.” Senior clarinet captain Ashleigh Fogleman said. 

In conclusion, band has struggled with all changes COVID-19 has brought them, but this did not prevent them from persevering  toward OSSAA and eventually receiving straight superior ratings to finish strong in “A Rocky 2020.”