The stands at Walter Payton Field at Gardner Stadium were packed Wednesday as the Columbia High School Marching Wildcats performed.
The band performed its “Viking Legacy” show for the last time in front of all of the students in the Columbia School District, friends and families. The performance was also followed by a pep rally to celebrate the achievements of Columbia High School, which scored a “B” ranking in recent state evaluations.
“The band members were excited to do the show again,” Director Leslie Fortenberry said.
Recently, the Marching Wildcats finished fourth out of 10 bands in Class 3A in state competition at Clinton High School.
“It wasn’t the top spot we had hoped for, but no matter what the score was, I’m still proud of them,” she said. “They gave a great performance. I’m just so proud of the effort this year. As we work on concert season, we’re going to try our best to get straight 1s. We haven’t gotten straight 1s in marching and concert season both in about 10 years.”
Assistant Principal Jay Rayborn spoke about the band’s efforts before the show took the field under sunny skies Wednesday.
“These students have put in countless hours,” he said. “They have been over this show so many times that they are probably tired of it.”
Columbia Mayor Justin McKenzie also addressed the Marching Wildcats and the crowd.
“I’m very proud to be here,” he said. “Thank you so much from the City of Columbia and myself. Thank you for your hard work and dedication and for representing the Columbia School District and the City of Columbia so well. Your show was something to be proud of. I also want to thank those behind the scenes from the directors to the parents and boosters. The band couldn’t do it without you. It’s like moving a village to move the band for shows and competitions.”
Fortenberry said the band is now setting its sights on upcoming concerts.
“We have the Christmas Concert on Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m.,” she said. “I think it will be in the Columbia High School gym. We also have the Christmas Parade on Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. We’ve been working on concert season and parade marching lately.”
Pictured Above: The Columbia High School Marching Wildcats took the field one last time to perform this year’s competition show, “Viking Legacy.” | Photo by Mark Rogers
