My Literary Attempt

This was published in our paper this week..I'm no Cardinal Lady, but it was fun :)

THE PRIDE OF UNION MARCHING BAND WINS FIRST PLACE AT MHSAA REGION 3 MARCHING BAND FESTIVAL
By Clucky, Band Booster Secretary and Proud Band Mom!
Under a canopy of blue skies and sunshine, The Pride of Union Marching Band again found what had been lost for the last four years: All-Superior ratings at the MHSAA Region 3 Marching Band Festival. “The kids did a great job today, but I don’t want to jinx it,” said Band Director Adam Devenney immediately following the band’s performance on Saturday, October 4 at Meridian High School’s Ray Stadium.
Devenney had good reason to be superstitious: for the last three years, both Scott Central and Philadelphia had outscored Union in competition. Immediately preceding the Jacket Band’s performance was the Scott Central Rebel Band. They put on a good show, no one can argue that point, but it wasn’t good enough to beat Union.
Sitting in the stands after their performance Saturday, the Pride of Union had to endure Philly’s marching show. The tension was palpable-Percussion Captain Josh Sessums (grandson of Union mayor, Max Sessums) is undeniably one of the best in the area. Percussion Instructor Cassady Byers is full-time on the Philadelphia staff, but helps the Union percussion during camps or when changes are needed in cadences and music. Percussion has been the lone “2” rating Union has received for the last three years. Saturday, that came to a dramatic end.
As the scores were called out after performance by the Wall O’Sound Marching Band of ECCC, there were many “ooh’s” and “aah’s” heard throughout the stadium. Enterprise received Superior ratings in Drum Major, Color Guard, and Percussion, but received a “2-1-1” score in the Band category. Although they received an Overall “1”, it still gave hope to the Union group. Forest received all “1’s” in the first three categories as well-but received “2-3-3” in Band, with an Overall “2” rating. Scott Central scores were next-and silenced the Union Band; Scott Central received All-Superior ratings in all categories with an Overall “1.”
Would this be the year? Could Union overcome the curse? You could have heard a pin drop in the stands as scores were announced:
“Pride of Union Marching Band: Drum Major: ONE. Color Guard: ONE. Percussion: ONE. The band lost all composure at this point and was screaming and passing around high-fives like a politician with handshakes on Election Day. Silenced by Mr. Devenney, the band settled down enough to hear the last scores. “Band: ONE. ONE.ONE. OVERALL: ONE.” There were screams and tears-and Scott Central band sat next to them, stunned.
Philadelphia’s scores were the last scores for Class 2A. Most of the Union band students have friends in the Philadelphia band-it was very tense in the stands while those last scores were announced. Drum Major, Percussion, and Band received Superior “1” ratings; but the lone “2” rating for Color Guard made it a run between Union and Scott Central.
When the final scores were read, the Union brand broke out with their infamous “U-H-S” chant. When Katie Devenney was asked how she felt, she said, “My face hurts from smiling so much!” The band awaited the arrival of Adam Devenney to find out the ranking of bands.
Who would be number one? Is this what Union has been waiting for?
The smile on Mr. Devenney’s face was a dead giveaway. With a score of 88, Union had the highest score! “By one point, but that’s all it takes!” said Mr. Devenney.
Last year’s 2A State Finals at Hinds are a perfect example-the top six bands were all within a two point range. A full point felt like a runaway after that night.
Following a trip to Bonita Lakes Mall for lunch, The Pride of Union Marching Band returned to Union-and were met with a police escort! Two police cars with lights and sirens led the band down Jackson Road, turned left on Bank Street, and left again on Main Street. Following the parade route, the buses made their way back to the band hall.
As band members filed off the buses, you could see the shock had worn off and happiness remained.
The Pride of Union Marching Band will be performing at home this Friday night in Union vs. Newton. The following Friday night is an away game at Scott Central, then the band returns home to host the “Chunky River Band Classic” on Saturday, October 18, at Union High School. With 20 bands slated to perform, this will be a day full of music and fun for the whole family.