More than 19 hours after the marching band left for its first competition, the buses arrived back in Derby at 2:30 a.m. 

And still the band members had to unload the trucks that carried all their equipment.

“I was very tired so I was not happy to do it, but it was something that had to be done,” junior Ty Johnson said.

The band finished first in its division and seventh overall.

Despite the long day, senior Melissa Whalen was pleased with their performance. 

“I wasn’t as hopeful that we would do like we did,” said Whalen, who had competed twice previously. “… Overall it was a very fun day and I enjoyed it.”

They competed in their division not long after they arrived at Olathe, placing first. 

Then they had five hours of free time to eat lunch and practice for their next performance. Then the band competed against bands of all divisions, placing seventh with 72 points, 10 behind the winner.

Marching band places in second competition