Zero hour has kicked into full gear, and it’s taken a huge toll on people already.

If you hear drums in the morning — when you wake up if you live close to the school or when you get to school — it’s the band.  More than 135 students are in the Panther Marching Band, and they are dedicated.

Since the second week of school, the members are on the field, ready to go at 7 a.m.

“I love zero hour. Having band first thing in the morning is the most spectacular way to start my day,” Julie Martin said.

It’s different for senior Kaia Smith.

“For me, zero hour is the place where I get to work with my second family and better myself in what I love to do,” Smith said. “It’s where I want my dream (to) play out every day and get to do that with the team and my amazing friends.

“Zero hour is not just something I get up for. It’s something that is not only a part of my day, but it’s the best part of my day. I love every minute of it. Yes, we get tired and sometimes super grouchy but in the end, it’s what I look forward to.

“This is my last year on this band,  so it means so much more now than ever. That’s what zero hour is for me and that’s why I get up every day for it.”