Just like any varsity activity, a lot of hard work and practice goes into being successful. Lauren Squires takes a look at the Millard West Varsity Marching Band.

“It sounds easier than it is to step in time to a certain beat,” said drum major Kellie Simerly.

Thursday night practice at Millard West High School usually starts with marching. No instruments, just shoes on the pavement and the sound of a metronome.

“We always focus on getting the toes up we want to make sure everyone looks the same,” said Simerly. “It's all uniformity, we want to look the same and sound the same.”

“There's a lot of physical activity that goes into that what happens out here,” said drum major Scott Schenkelberg.

But shortly after marching practice, they being playing and marching. And that is where the real work begins. This year their theme is “Blue”. They play three songs with blue in their title.

“I love the energy of it, I love performing, I love being with the band, the spirit so positive it's hard not to be a part of,” said Simerly.

The entire band starts their competition season Saturday, September 15th at Buell Stadium for the Annual Wildcat Classic, then to Minnesota and South Dakota.