Smyrna High School Band finishes marching season on high note

For the first time in more than 20 years, the Smyrna High School Marching Band qualified and competed in the Atlantic Coast Championships. Band Director Jessica Ganska said she believes it’s the first time the Regiment of Red has made it to the competition since 1986.

At the “ACC” Nov. 8 in Hershey, Pa., Smyrna High placed sixth out of seven bands in the group 2 competition for bands with 35 to 50 musicians, but scored an impressive 85.9 out of 100. The score is based on the band’s musical performance as well as the visual performance.

We did really well. Our goal was to score higher than we did at the Chapter IX Championships, and we did it,” said Ganska.

The Chapter IX Championships include bands from Delaware and parts of Maryland and Virginia. The band had to qualify for the Chapter Championships by participating in at least two field show competitions.

At the Chapter Championships in Annapolis, Md., Smyrna placed fourth out of seven bands in group 2, but scored high enough, an 84.15, to qualify for the Atlantic Coast Championships which includes bands from all 13 chapters.

“We were really excited to qualify for ACC,” said Ganska.

Drum Majors Tya Scott and Tresha Edmond said finding out the band was going to the Atlantic Coast Championships was an emotional moment for the band members and for Ganska, whom the band members fondly call “G.”

“When ‘G’ told us we were going to the Atlantic Coast Championships, I couldn’t have been happier, to think I was able to help lead our band to that level as a drum major. Our band hadn’t done that in I think 23 years," said Edmond.

“It meant a lot to us, and it meant a lot to 'G,'” said Scott. “She broke down. It means a lot that we were able to accomplish that together for her.”

Edmond said the competitions help motivate everyone to reach for a goal, a higher score.

“Where our band was my freshman year compared to this year – it’s completely different,” said Edmond. “We didn’t go to any competitions that year. It was still fun, but this is so much better because we’re getting to compete and develop as a band. At the football games, you’re trying to put on a good show, but you’re not competing. You’re not being scored.”

Ganska said band competitions are “the biggest team sport there is.”

“More than anything, I think the students want people to say, ‘Did you hear about Smyrna’s band?’ They want the recognition for their efforts,” Ganska said. “They want that pride.”

The Atlantic Coast Championships were the culmination of a marching season that began in August.

“When you’re starting with band camp, it’s hot, and they’re some long days – sometimes it’s really hard to see what you’re working for,” said Ganska. “But after a great performance, to be able to say, ‘We did that together,’ is such a thrilling experience.”

Scott echoed the excitement that comes from knowing you’re putting on a great performance:

“When it’s showtime and you’re on the podium in front of everyone and you’re reaching the big push in the song, and you just know it sounds so good, it’s the thrill of a lifetime. There’s so much adrenaline.”

Both drum majors said the song “La Suerte de los Fantos” was their favorite part of this year’s show.

“Near the end, we crescendo. It’s the most powerful we’ve ever played,” said Scott. “I’m trying to get them to give it their all, and at the end, we all say ‘HUH!’ in perfect unison. It’s almost like the military. It just sounds so good.”