The Jena High School Marching Band has been busy during the past few weeks as they have competed in three different festivals recording outstanding scores.

JHS Band Director Stephen Taylor noted the competition season began on October 24 as they traveled to West Monroe for the District 1 Festival.

“This was our first competition of the year and although we participated, our scores weren’t that great,” he said. “But the experience helped us as we prepared for our next two events.”

On October 28, the JHS Band traveled to Natchitoches as they participated in the 2023 NSU Classic on the Cane.

At this competition, the band scored all “2’s”, or “Excellents,” a drastic improvement from four days prior.

“I was very proud of them for this mass improvement,” Taylor noted.

Scoring at band competitions ranges from 1-5, with 1 Superior, 2 Excellent, 3 Good, 4 Fair and 5 Poor.

The band’s final competition was held November 4 when they traveled north of Monroe to take part in the Sterlington High School Spirit of the Panther Invitational.

At this competition, the Jena Band also had all 2’s, cementing their excellent status for this year’s 2023 marching band.

Also at the Sterlington event, the JHS Color Guard received all Superior ratings, meaning they earned the highest scores possible.

“We are very proud of our Color Guard as they have worked very hard this year,” Taylor said. “In fact, last year was the first year we’ve had a Color Guard in many years and they also earned Superiors last year as well. This means that in the two years since we’ve had the Color Guard return to our band, they have received Superior ratings both years.”

The band director noted that along with hard work from all of the students, a successful band is dependent upon the support of many people.

“I just want to thank the Jena community for all they do in supporting us and the JHS Band Boosters, led by Chad and Shannon Girlinghouse,” he said. “I also want to thank Deidra Zeagler who helps sponsor our Color Guard and Lauren Parrish who provides the choreography for the Color Guard routines.”

The director also thanked all of the administration at JHS, including Principal Adam Powell and Assistant Principal Jennifer Peters, along with all of the members of the LaSalle Parish School Board.

“Finally, I would like to recognize Steve Foreman,” he concluded. “He not only drives us in the bus to all events but is one of our biggest supporters.”

Although competitions have ended for the JHS Band, their work on Friday nights will continue as they are an integral part of all Jena Giant football games. Their role will be crucial as the Giants enter the state playoffs next week