After two weeks of band camp and long days practicing in the Texas heat, the Winnsboro High School Red Raider Band took a break Friday evening for its inaugural Band Olympics.
The friendly competition, organized by Band Director Peter Merts, gave more than 100 band members a chance to have fun while building teamwork before marching season gets into full swing.
Band members were divided into sections and competed in Olympic-style events across the football field. Activities included wheelbarrow races, sack races, hula hoop contests, stuffing six crackers into their mouths before trying to whistle, and marching in a straight line after spinning until they were dizzy.
“It was something we did all four years when I was in high school,” Merts said. “It was something that you do kind of in the middle of marching season to bring energy back up if it is down, which it hasn’t been down for this group. But this is a good way to go into our last week of marching band.”
The competition ended in a three-way tie, sending the finalists into a drill-down to determine the overall winner. The drumline came away with bragging rights as champions of the inaugural Band Olympics.
While the games brought plenty of laughs, students said they also helped bring the band closer together.
Drum Major Hallie Jo White, a junior, said the event gave everyone a chance to relax after long days of practice.
“We have been out here with the longest days, the hottest days, and it has been absolutely amazing,” White said. “It’s incredible all the work we’ve already seen within just two weeks.”
White said directors have been making sure students stay hydrated by taking frequent water breaks and getting everyone into the shade throughout rehearsals.
The band enters the season looking to return to the UIL State Marching Contest after narrowly missing a trip last year.
“We missed it by one spot,” Merts said.
Senior Drum Major Camila Hernandez said falling one spot short of state last year was disappointing, but it has also improved everyone’s work ethic and boosted morale heading into the new season.
She said the Band Olympics also gave students a chance to get to know band members outside their usual friend groups while adding a little friendly competition.
Junior saxophone section leader Anthony Nguyen said missing state was disappointing, but it has also given the band extra motivation this season.
“I feel like we’re gonna have a great experience,” Nguyen said. “The show is really nice. I like the new uniforms.”
This year’s marching show, “The Red Kingdom,” features music from “Game of Thrones,” “Girl on Fire,” “Tempered Steel” and a reprise of the “Game of Thrones” theme for the finale.
Now entering his third year as Winnsboro High School’s band director, Merts said the students have remained motivated throughout the summer. He said the staff’s job is to provide students with a show they can be excited about, while the students provide the determination to succeed.
With the Band Olympics complete, the Red Raider Band heads into its third week of band camp before wrapping up preseason activities with a DCI Championship watch party ahead of the upcoming marching season.