The leaves are falling. Summer is gone, but that's not always a bad thing. There are many things in the fall that make the time of year amazing, but one of the best things is the Autumn Fest Parade on September 21st of 2024. In the fall and in the spring, many people who are interested in music find the marching band parade a good way to have a fun time listening to music, and showing school spirit. Bands from many different schools are preparing in the fall for the Autumn Fest parade, where they get to play and march around the capitol area where bystanders watch them and listen to the amazing music they play. Music, candy, cheering on your school, and even marching with the band are some of the things you can do at the parade at Horizon Middle School. The 7th and 8th grade band get to practice marching and playing outside for the momentous occasion. It’s not just music, it's watching cool floats, cars, and more awesome things that you would see at parades. Now for some inside information… 

Over 300 Horizon students took a parade survey, and it shows that 36% of the students said they would go. Everyone should show some school spirit by going to support our Horizon marching band. Sadly over half of the people that took the survey said they have not gone before, but the other half says that they love to get candy, march, and listen to great music. This year, let’s get that number up to over 75% of people attending the parade! Surprisingly, there is a possibility that 25% of the people are marching in the parade. On a good note, over 83% of the people who have gone to the parade said they loved it. The band teacher Melinda Halverson said that the band is preparing for the parade by memorizing all the songs they are playing, and learning to march in a straight line and turn corners while playing music and staying together. It is amazing that they can do all that!  Go Horizon!! If you are going to be at the parade you can look for Horizon in the fourth spot in the parade.

 In addition to the band teacher's words, Evan Peske was interviewed about being this year's drum major. Evan said he is very excited to lead the band through the streets of Bismarck. Evan is also excited to march with his sister while she holds the flag in the parade. Evan said and quoted, "I will keep the band in line by doing the right cues at the right time, and make sure everyone is in line." As a band student, Evan has insight to how the band progresses in playing. He says that the band is very familiar with the music and memorized it, and starting the song at the right cues. Horizon has a lot to do,  so let's cheer them on by going to the parade!

In conclusion, the Autumn Fest parade is a great time to listen to the great music the band plays, get lots of candy, and march with the band. The band has lots of work to do in order to play the music with a good tone. So let’s go show some school spirit and cheer on the band that works so hard to play awesome music.