Sept. 10, FHN Knightpride Marching Band competed against Belleville East and O’Fallon Township. They performed Concrete Jungle for their first two competitions of the season.

Knightpride placed exceptionally well at both competitions after the time and effort that everyone put into the show. For their performance at Belleville East Knightpride recieved first place for having the best music, best guard and best percussion. At O’Fallon township they tied for first place, but due to the tie breaker rule in General Effect (GE) they came in second place while still receiving awards for best music and best guard.

“When I found out that we had won our competitions, I was very proud of everyone because of the hard work and effort they have all put in to make it to this point,” instructor Liz Sutton said.

When Knightpride performed, there were many different aspects of their show that set them apart from the other schools they went up against.

“I would say the thing that set us apart is the quality of our music, the output of sound and the level of energy put out throughout the entire show,” band director Paul Ahlemeyer said.

With continuous practices, mental and dry run throughs of the actual performance  and the encouraging words of the instructors, Knightpride went into the competition well prepared and ready to do the best that they could.

“My band director, Mr. Moorman, told me, and I quote, ‘Don’t worry kid, you’ve done this before’,” lead drum major Jordan Schupp said.

Everyone in Knightpride was extremely pleased with the results of the competition. They gave it their all and went above and beyond their goals.

“Everyone did well for our first competition, and we just went for it and succeeded,” sophomore Olivia Miller said.