The Jena High School Marching Band has been preparing since before school for their competition schedule that began this week.

Yesterday, Tuesday, October 24, the band traveled to West Monroe for the LMEA District 1 Marching Festival. The festival was held at West Monroe High School and the Jena Marching Band was the first band to compete at 6 p.m. (Results of that performance were unknown due to the newspaper’s Monday deadline.)

On Saturday, October 28, the band will be competing in the NSU Classic on the Cane marching competition. The Jena band is once again first on the program, set to take the field for their performance at 10 a.m.

The following Saturday, November 4, they will be competing in the Spirit of the Panther Marching Invitational at Sterlington High School in Sterlington. The Jena band is set to take the field at noon for their performance.

Jena Band Director Stephen Taylor said the show performance is the same as they have been performing during halftime of football games, one that they have been working to perfect all this school year with a Pirates of the Caribbean theme.

“We would love for everyone come and show your support,” Taylor said. “NSU (Oct. 28 competition) even has an award for the most spirited supporters. I know the kids would love to have some cheers in the crowd too. We hope to see you there and thank you for your continued support!”