Every year, the Tribe of Pride is unable to attend the Homecoming Dance because of a competition the following morning. To make up for missing out on this high school experience, the band gets a formal dance of their own.

“I like having [our own formal Homecoming Dance]. It’s a lot less crowded than the other school dances,” Cassidy Michau (11) said.

Band members had practice right before their dance, which gave little time for them to get ready.

“We usually get a few hours [to get ready], but having a shorter fall break caused us to only have an hour to get ready. Usually girls go and get their hair done, but [this year] there was no time. We barely had enough time for pictures,” Michau said.

Aside from that inconvenience, the Tribe of Pride had to be up bright and early Friday morning for another practice. With ISSMA Semi-State only two days away, they needed as much practice as they could get.

“It was hard getting up in the morning, but it was an important practice, so I made sure that I was ready for the day,” Marc Mertsching (11) said.

Although the practice on Friday was extremely important and the marchers needed to be alert and focused for practice the next day, nothing could stop the band members from having a good time at the dance.

“It was nice to be dressed up and see everyone out of their practice clothes. I think everyone’s favorite part was having a night off to have fun with all of their closest friends. The band kids always seem to have a fun time,” Michau said.

The Tribe of Pride will advance to State on Nov. 2.