For the first time in Fort Osage history, the marching band will be performing at Pride of The Ozark’s on Saturday, September 30th, 2017.

“The best part about going to a competition is getting feedback on all the work we’ve done,” clarinet player and senior Cory Gumminger said.

The marching band practices before school three times a week, after school two days a week, and everyday in 1st hour. The top twelve marching bands will qualify to move on to finals.

Gumminger has played the clarinet since 6th grade, joined the marching band as a freshman, and has stuck with it ever since.

“I think we have a really good chance of making it to top twelve this year,” clarinet player and junior Hannah McGowan said.

McGowan is looking forward to the competition and has been working hard.

“People over look band because they think we don’t work hard, yet we work really hard and put a lot of time into it,” McGowan said.

The band will perform their contest piece at the the Friday, Sept. 29, football game.

“I love competitions because it is awesome to see everyone grow and get better, and competition is our time to show our hard work and dedication,” Drum Major Olivia Jenkins said.