by Emmy Kirkham
The Marching Cougars made New Prairie history during their 2018 season, by qualifying for the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) Semi-State Open Class B.
Open Class B is determined on school size and allows them to compete against the hardest competition they ever have.
Throughout the year, the marching band focused on their music, visuals, and effects. All the sections in the band, which include woodwind, brass, color guard, battery, and front ensemble, cleaned up many things with their timing and technique, allowing their hard work to show during competitions.
“Musically, all of our students were very focused on learning and memorizing their music with great detail and at a high level early on in our process,” stated band director, Patrick Teykl.
Many interesting sound effects and colors were added, in order to keep the audience's and judges’ attention throughout the show.
The marchers’ hard work and improvements finally paid off when they advanced to semi-state.
Senior Lily Carmel explained that her favorite part of the marching season was when New Prairie was called as a qualifying band for semi-state. She said everyone was laughing, crying, and hugging all at once.
Teykl said he has never been more proud of a group of students he has taught than when it was announced that they would be advancing to semi-state.
Teykl considered this season as a “whole new ballgame” thanks to the students “working smarter, not harder.”
“Going to semi-state was like a dream come true, especially as a returning marcher,” explained sophomore Ricardo Jimenez. “We finally exceeded even our own expectations.”
Along with the marchers, Teykl and the staff of the band were strong assets in making the marching season so successful.
“They did a great job this season on keeping everyone motivated and making each marcher be the best versions of themselves,” said Carmel.
For next year, the band has high expectations and goals because they now know they can compete in their toughest level of competition. Their expectations are based off the great marchers they currently have and the others they hope will join them.
The Marching Cougars had a successful season, competing in the following competitions:
- Goshen Competition - 5th out of 6 bands - Open Class B
- Concord Competition - 2nd out of 6 bands - Open Class B
- Penn Competition - 6th out of 6 bands - Open Class B
- Plymouth ISSMA Open Class B Invitational - Gold Rating - Top 10 in Regional - Advanced to Semi-State
- Pike ISSMA Open Class B Semi-State - 1st time ever performing in this competition in Indianapolis
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