By Caitlin Bieganski, opinion editor

There was tension in the air on Saturday, Sept. 19 as the marching band awaited the results of its first Lakeshore Marching Band Association (LMBA) competition of the 2015-16 season. Located at McDowell High School, the competition included just two Class A competitors, Saegertown and Erie All City, of the eleven bands in attendance.

When the score sheets were tallied, the 32 members of the SHS band brought home their first victory with a score of 70.3 compared to Erie All City’s 69.8. In addition, they won the Class A High Music and General Effect captions (awards

given for specific areas of performance). According to Mr. Baldwin, the band “really put their hearts into their

performance…literally.”

In fact, this year’s show is titled “Hearts.” The performance includes three pieces: Heartrate, Heartbreak, and Heartbeat. It also features two soloist musicians: Logan Krasa on tenor sax and Zachary Courson on alto sax, and color guard soloist Catrina Erie.

“At first I was a little sketchy about the show’s theme, but I think the idea is clearly expressed in our show. I really like it, to be honest,” said Drum Major Ben Courson.

The band has overcome several obstacles this season, such as losing their color guard instructor Elizabeth Mascitti, but their hard work definitely paid off on Saturday.

“The band really impressed me this weekend,” said Color Guard Captain Catrina Erie, “Especially the guard. They’ve come so far in such a small amount of time.”

On Oct. 17, the band will compete again at Edinboro University.

“I’m very excited about this season because we have a ton of room to grow. There’s a lot of potential,” said Courson.