SIKESTON BAND MEMBERS RISE EARLY

SIKESTON -- It's 7:25 a.m. Most students aren't even close to being ready, but most of the 133 members of Sikeston High School's marching band are putting on their band shoes, that will undoubtedly be soaked in minutes, ready to practice.

It takes dedication to be there, and it takes dedication that most avid football fans don't know about.

"It takes a lot of hard work to be here practicing at 7:30 every morning," said Mark Adams, senior band member.

"It takes dedication to be in band for seven years. That's a longer commitment than anything else I know of in the school," said band director Ed Cowan.

The marching band has practiced for 1 1/2 hours every morning for Friday night's football game against longtime rival Charleston.

"The Sikeston band still knows how to put on a good show," said Sally Lape, 1971 Sikeston High drum major. "I was always proud to wear the SHS band uniform, because we were respected by other bands in Southeast Missouri. They still are. Mr. Cowan and Mr. (Pat) Curry continue to put on a good, entertaining show every year."

"I think the band helps because the crowd gets into it, trombone player Brian Blissett said. "They seem to like it a lot."

This year's band has combined the senior high band with the freshmen band for the first time.

"It has made our numbers bigger. We look and sound better now," said Cowan.

Band fans can expect a good program. Cowan said, "They sound good, but I expect their marching will get better as the season progresses."

The Bulldogs' band season includes the Cotton Carnival Parade Sept. 27, a trip to Mizzou Oct. 4 for a pregame show and the Jackson Marching Festival Oct. 7.

"One of the greatest moments of marching band was being in the Cotton Carnival Parade," Lape said. "We were always the last to march. As they say, they 'saved the best for last.'"

The 133 members dot the practice field in their dew-soaked shoes and socks practicing at being the best. Their typical morning starts with a warm-up routine, a run through of a portion of the show and stopping to work on sound or marching problems. "Then we put it back together and run through it again. After that we go inside to work on the music, as needed," said Cowan.

For veteran band members, this year's band has some of the traditional drills with forward marches, mark time, left and right flanks and to the rears. But a few new steps, backward marches and left and right slides, have been added.

"It's also an advantage having Mr. Curry to work with the band, because we can get more things done at once," said Cowan.

"Through all the work we do," he said, "our main purpose is to provide a little spark to the team and crowd. I think we add a little excitement to the games."