Marching band competition season is just around the corner and the Xavier Marching Saints are hard at work. The band is under the direction of Ms. Kelli Swehla, senior Connor Miller, and junior Sarah King as drum majors. Joined by 29 freshman, the band hopes to build upon last year’s success.

The band has achieved a Division I rating at the State Marching Band Festival for the past two years, and looks to do the same this year.

“Our leadership staff understands that when they succeed, we all do,” Swehla said. “That mentality is what will propel us to another Division I at State.” The band practices every morning in preparation for the season.

This year’s show is Broadway Blockbusters. The songs include: Favorite Things, Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In, Jet Song, and Bohemian Rhapsody.

“I look for a show that will be exciting for the students to play even when it’s at the end of the season,” Swehla said. “On the same token, I look for a show that audiences will continue to appreciate and enjoy.”

Alongside Miller, King has stepped up and taken the role of drum major. Drum majors are vital to the success of the band.

“The biggest responsibility I’ve taken on this year is being a more distinguished leader,” King said. “I have a lot of people looking up to me for what to do in band and how to act.”

The competition season kicks off on September 24 at the Linn-Mar Invitational in the morning and then again at the Marion Invitational in the evening. Additionally, they perform during halftime of every home football game.