The sheet music for the games and assemblies is passed out during the later weeks of the school year. The band members are expected to practice and memorize their parts. They are also provided with drill charts, something unique to marching. These charts explain to the members of all of the different branches of the band where to go during the halftime show.

There was also an early band week. In early August, the band members gathered at Benet to partake in activities that balance work and fun. There were group meals, like burger picnic and pizza dinner. The freshmen were also taught how to march.

Marching is no easy task. “It requires quite a bit of skill, focus, and coordination to play and march in an organized pattern simultaneously,” sophomore Ryan Habeck said. For this reason, the freshmen are drilled heavily in formation and marching technique.

However, the band enjoys several fun activities in both band weeks. The most memorable are the theme days. The groups of band (wind instruments, drum line, pit, and color guard) were asked to dress as several different humorous things. This year they dressed as the following: favorite Benet teacher, favorite holiday, favorite character, and an American day. The last week was rounded out with section pride day with a theme and a skit. The saxophones dressed as the Toy Story characters, the flutes as Jesus and the apostles, the clarinets as the four seasons, and the pit as the Wizard of Oz characters. The judges voted the pit as the best.

Many sweaty days of effort are completed before the band can play the familiar Benet cheers. Band week is an imperative part of the Benet traditions and football season. When the student body shouts along to Sweet Caroline, Banana, and, of course, The Benet Fight Song, they can thank the band for their hard work.