Central marches on

For the first time in school history, the Central High School marching band has won its first four competitions, already securing the honor of posting the most successful season ever. Even if it doesn't win first place at the Greater St. Louis Marching Band Festival on Oct. 27, the band will tie the school standard reached in 1997, when the band won four of its five competitions.

Last Saturday, Central took first place in the Bi-state Marching Invitational at Potosi, Mo., where the Tigers marched better than 19 other schools. Central also took first at competitions in Murphysboro, Ill., Farmington, Mo. and Washington, Mo.

Central High School band director Neil Casey said he has some very talented students, but it's the students' work ethic, integrity and discipline that has led to the band's success.

"This was the hottest summer on record," Casey said. "And we started on July 23. The work ethic has been very, very good. ... I'm really proud of them."

And so, too, is the community the band represents.