At every football game and assembly, marching band and Colorguard students can be found bringing pep and enthusiasm to the student body. These students work eagerly together in the Puma Regiment, the official title for the school’s performing band. 

The Puma Regiment performs at every Varsity football game during the fall season. The students can be found in the bleachers in full uniform, livening the crowd. During half-time the musicians perform an eight minute long field show. This performance consists of designated choreography and hundreds of hours going into practice. Even though coronavirus restricted the competition season, the Regiment still performed at football games last year. 

After being forced to adapt to fit covid restrictions, the musicians are eager to return to the normal season they hope to have this year. Considering the unique nature of last year, the musicians have high expectations for how this season will play out. “A lot of people are a lot more motivated because we actually have something to compete for, instead of just like, performing at half-time shows,” junior and trumpet section leader, Maddie Woods said. 

In prior years, the Puma Regiment has performed at competitions with great success. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions and at-home learning, the Regiment could not compete last year. 

 This year the competition theme is, “When you wish”. The soundtrack for the performance contains songs like, “Rewrite the Stars” and “When you Wish upon a star”. In October, the Regiment will begin competing their eight minute shows against other bands. “We’re trying to rebuild the culture of the group and like the team,” marching band director Brandon Kiesgan said. If there is a resurgence of COVID-19, the competition season may change, but as of now members are still preparing and anticipating the season. 

Competing also allows for students to interact with other schools and see other band performances. “Every band is different in their own way, and so it’s cool to see what they’re working on and how we’re different from others, because it’s not gonna be like every single band is the same,” freshman Annalise Kissler said. 

The Puma Regiment also works cohesively with the school’s Colorguard team. Colorguard performs with the regiment during football games, as well as at competitions. The Colorguard team adds an artistic, visual element to the show, using dance and theater techniques. Colorguard has specific choreography and performs with props and other equipment. 

Open for all high schoolers, students can become a part of the Puma Regiment throughout all of high school. Taking three years of marching band allows for students to receive the physical education credit required to graduate.

Students in marching band practice several times a week before and after school. Marching band itself is a zero hour, no cut-class, so participants spend much of their time working with one another to perfect their performance.  The Regiment requires dedication from its members, and the routines performed require much preparation. The Regiment students and staff are eager to see where this season will take them, and are putting in hard-work to create performances to be proud of.