DAPHNE, Ala.– Taking place from approximately 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 25, band and color guard members from all around the southern United States met at Jubilee Stadium for the Eastern Shore Classic competition.

This competition annually grants marching bands from states outside Alabama such as Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi to compete with one another, allowing each band to observe and gain perspective.

At the Eastern Shore Classic, the Fairhope High School Buccaneer Band gave their last performance of “7,” their seasonal marching band show that is meant to encompass all seven sins, along with their distinctive ending, judgement.

“I really love performing the show,” said Madeline Taylor, color guard. “Knowing we won’t be able to perform it again [this year] is upsetting.”

Band and color guard members practiced throughout their season. Color guard members practice biweekly, the whole marching band practices together biweekly, and each band section also has their own designated day to rehearse. The copious amounts of time taken to achieve this show makes people grow attached, but it also takes its toll on some.

“I feel sad because I really liked my group this year. It was really fun in the clarinet section, but I’m also happy because I don’t wanna do as many after school practices every day,” said Madelyn Steiniger, marching band.

As the season comes to a close, participants reflect. Although no award was won at the Eastern Shore Classic, Fairhope color guard earned top rank at the 5A Swamp Classic, the first time they have won against Ocean Springs High School in numerous years.

“When I’m performing on the field, I feel like I can be a different person…but when I’m not on the field, I feel like it’s time for me to practice…so I use it [my time] as more of a learning experience,” Taylor said.

Marching band season may be coming to an end, but winter guard and concert band season is right around the corner.