The theme of the Donegal marching band's show this year was "Primary Emotions," and there's no doubt the band members were experiencing the emotions of happiness and pride on Nov. 4. The band took first place in the Cavalcade of Bands Championship for the Independence A division. Additionally, the ensemble won High Visual Performance, High Music Performance, High Overall Effect, Best Color Guard and Best Percussion.

It was the first first-place finish for the band in a competitive championship in Donegal history.

The competition was held in New Oxford and featured 12 bands. Going into the event, the band members felt confident, said Janelle Miller, a senior who plays the trumpet and is the band president.

"This year, we had a really good year," she stated. "We could tell from the beginning that we had a really strong show and a strong band with a lot of good members. Even back in band camp in August, we just noticed that this had a good chance of being a strong show. Going through the season, we tried to work hard and do the best we could."

As Corrine Watson, a senior who plays the flute and serves as the vice president of the band, explained, the competition included bands from the region that were similar in size. Donegal's marching band has 25 members.

"We had placed first at some local regular-season competitions," she noted, "and we were so excited to win this one. They started reading off the names of the bands going from 12th place up, and the excitement built. When they read out who won second place and it wasn't us, it was that moment of, 'We did it! We worked for this, and we did it!'"

Sadie Hakkinen, a junior who plays clarinet and is the band secretary, said the show featured three songs. The band scored 94.075 out of a possible 100 points, she noted.

"The show starts with 'Inferno,' and it's red and angry, a combination of color and emotions," said Corrine. "Then it transitions into 'Paradiso,' which was blue and tranquil, and then we ended with 'Choose Joy,' which was yellow, happy and joyful."

The girls recalled how some of the band members, including the three of them, were down on the field when the winners were announced, while the rest of the band was in the stands.

"At the end when the awards were done, we ran across the entire field to celebrate with our friends," Janelle shared. "It was a great moment to celebrate with each other. People always say marching band is a family, and we spend so much time together to practice, so we get to know each other well. We shared a lot of special moments, good and bad, with each other, and we just hoped for the best in our season."

Even after the band left the competition, the celebration continued as the Pioneer Fire Company in Marietta coordinated a parade of firetrucks and police cars to lead the band through the towns of Donegal School District.

"It was so special, and it made the day even more special," said Janelle. "We really want to thank them for that."