On September 20, the Jacksonville High School Marching Crimsons attended a parade in Petersburg and competed in the Monticello field show competition. Even though the marching band did not place at this competition, they reached their goal of 50% or higher scores and had a good time doing it.
The scores could most definitely improve within the next few competitions because new visuals and tricks have been added to improve the look of the show. Also, more time has been put in and everyone hopes to place this season.
“There is plenty of room for all of us to improve and tons of work that can be done,” said Tameeka Winston, a member of color guard. Winston also stated, “We were one point away from placing, and we don’t want that to happen again.”
When discussing the actual show and the moves involved, some people in the audience and parents of band members made comments about how the Crimsons’ show was more complicated than others in the same division. This can be both a good thing and a bad thing.
Johnson went as far as saying that if the band can pull it together and do well then they will be better than others in the same division. However, a judge would rather see “something simple done well than something complex done poorly.”
The band looks forward to three more competitions this season in the month of October. These locations include Dunlap, Western, and Quincy. All these young people want to do is place, but in order to achieve that, they will have to work on their marching and stay focused on what they have to do. One small slip up and that could be the one-point difference it takes to win.