The sound of marching bands and the smell of corndogs are in the air; fair season is upon us. The first trial for the campus marching band took place on Oct. 1 at the Caruthers District Fair Parade.

In years past, talented athletes such as David Pohl, ?03, and Melissa Jimenez, ?05, have filled the difficult position of drum major. Hannah Wilhelm, ?07, who attended a summer camp at a Santa Cruz university to practice her skills, now holds the coveted position.

Wilhelm?s capture of the second place trophy for drum major has given her and the rest of the band a great deal of confidence.

?Even though it is really hard to be a drum major,? Wilhelm said, ?I enjoy it. I feel that it is a good opportunity to be challenged and work hard.?

Marching band is an activity that takes up more time than most students realize. The marching and music playing at school only scratches the surface. Students are required to memorize the entire march, perfect their marching and attend evening rehearsals in which the band coordinates music and marching.

?The band puts in so much work,? Paul McEntee, band director, said, ?It feels very good when we perform, do our best, and get recognition for doing this work. I think these parades are fun for everyone in band.?

The hours of hard work and practice all came together in Caruthers. The parade started at 10 A.M., with Fresno Christian stepping off in the second half of the program. The parade went down Main Street, and following the parade, the bands went to the fair to eat and wait for the awards ceremony.

?I like the Caruthers fair,? Andrew Biehler, ?08, said. ?The carnival games and rides are fun, and the corndogs are really good. I think it?s better than the Big Fresno Fair, because it?s so much smaller.?

The difficulties of marching were compounded by the hot weather at the fair.

?Our band was pretty good,? Eric Beneke, ?07, ?and the song was catchy. It amazed me because they work so hard under the heat in those thick uniforms.?

The eagle band received multiple awards at the parade, with the band receiving first place, majorette Jessica Massie placing first, and the flag team taking second

For more information on the fair or parade, go to www.caruthersfair.com or e-mail McEntee at [email protected].