Play to win

Hannah Drake is proud of her band students.

"We've got very involved members," Drake stated. Since Drake's start at Harrisburg High School where she serves as the director for the band, choir and theatre programs, the band has grown from 30 students to a steady spot in the mid-70's for the past three years.

"We've grown tremendously," Drake said.

This year, 72 students are marching with Drake. The HHS Marching Band, according to Drake, mainly performs in competitive marching venues, which include local festivals and parades.

This year, the band took first place at the Murphysboro Apple Festival, including first place caption awards for drum major, drum line, and color guard. They also took first place at Popcorn Days - again winning first in caption awards - where they received a trophy and cash award, and first at a recent event in Norris City.

"Having supportive parents and a supportive school district is key," Drake said, when describing the secret to the band's success. Parents show their support by coming out to support their children and even donating their time, while HHS and the district lend a hand by "allowing" the band to participate in area contests, festivals, and parades. Parents and teachers also help students to balance their schedules and after-school events, so that students with more than one activity can also participate in band. According to Drake, the band features students who also participate in sports like cheerleading and football, often performing in the band while in uniform for their other sport.

Another key part in the success of the HHS band, Drake said, is the community of Harrisburg. The public shows up to events, they donate money, and are "so supportive," Drake said. Drake stresses community involvement in her teachings, and her students respond enthusiastically. "We're active in the community because I think it's important to give back," Drake said. "The kids want to be involved, which I think is part of the family environment we have here."

As the school year progresses, the HHS band program has many more competitions and events lined up. This weekend, the band will compete at the Carmi Corn Days, where they will be eligible for a first place award, as well as caption awards for drum major, drum line, and color guard. With the coming end of the football season, the band will transition into a pep band, but some students will restart the school's jazz band. Made up of "some of the top band members," it's a "great group of young musicians," Drake said.

Drake has a philosophy that she promotes for her students. "Always represent the school in a positive light," Drake said. A positive light can come from winning, Drake said, but it can also come from the band itself.

"(Without band), some kids wouldn't have a place in high school, it gives them somewhere to belong," Drake said. "I often say that we're one of the largest teams in

the high school."