SHS’s marching band students started their new season off strong after attending this year’s Drum Corps International (DCI) competition, held in Indianapolis’ very own, Lucas Oil Stadium.
Students that have attended a show or rehearsal by Spirit of Atlanta have found the corps inspiring in different ways.
“They are truly magnificent at what they do,” SHS Band Director Jeff Maupin said. “Being able to sit in front of them and hear what they sound like is kind of game changing for a lot of kids.”
Sophomore Oliver Cox says he is particularly interested in Spirit of Atlanta’s show. He’s interested in joining a similar group one day, and Cox is taking observations of each step.
He admires the way it reminds him of how purposeful he feels when playing himself. He looks up to the corps and the impact on the audience.
“I think it was the best show,” Cox said. “That was the best show I’ve watched this whole year. I loved the music, (and) I loved the impact and the way it made me feel.”
From cheering his loudest for his favorite players, to taking inspiration into performance, Cox was a definite fan of the show.
He was able to watch one of his biggest inspirations from Spirit of Atlanta, whom he felt great impact from.
“When I was leaving the stadium, I screamed ‘Petey, I love you!’ and I waved at him, and he waved at me back,” Cox said. “That was a different level of experience because it was like my idol.”
A friend of Cox’s and another sophomore in marching band, Jasper Terrell, noticed his appreciation, and how excited he was when he saw whom he looked up to.
“He was very loud (and) very happy,” Terrell said. “He’s definitely working harder.”
Yet, Cox wasn’t the only one inspired greatly by the show that night.
Terrell didn’t only notice Cox feeling the show’s emotions and impact, he also found himself quite into the show.
“I’m a front ensemble member, so seeing their front being able to emote and play so well, it was very cool to see all that,” Terrell said. “I want to do better myself after seeing their emotion put into the show.”
Recounting the day of the show, both Cox and Terrell were disappointed in Spirit of Atlanta’s placement. The two each wished they would’ve placed higher.
Both decided that the show was a good experience despite their placement.
“I feel like they should have been first, because I loved Spirit’s show,” Cox said. “It was very moving, and I liked the effect it gave off more than the other shows,”
