Lincoln East’s renowned marching band attended the Nebraska State Marching Band Contest on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Seacrest Field. They directly competed against 11 bands in their division, but 29 bands in total attended. During the competition, many marching bands representing different schools in Nebraska performed a piece that had been rehearsed for months in hopes of receiving a good score.

East’s band consists of all grade levels and over 180 students are members. They practice every day from 7:30am to 8:45am at Stuart Field during competition season. Though the performances most students see from the marching band are in the midst of football games, or heard from a distance during their morning practice, the work it takes to achieve their high status is plentiful. Before competitions, the marching band rehearses intently and works to make sure the show goes smoothly.

“We show up early and find sections in our music or show that need extra attention to ensure that it is a well rounded and complete performance,” sophomore and member of the marching band, Mandi Niday, said.

“Before performances, we think about living up to the high expectations that we’ve set for ourselves throughout the season since we’ve gotten great scores at every competition thus far,” sophomore and member of the marching band, Ryan Farritor said.

During State, the Lincoln East Band delivered a dazzling show as usual but received a score of division two excellent overall and division one superior in percussion. There’s three divisions and division three is good, two is excellent and division one is superior. Despite the unexpected judging scores the Lincoln East band is overjoyed with the amazing season they’ve put in this year.