Photo Provided by Mrs. Natalie Palomo

Fair Grove Senior Marching Band Presenting Their Trophies. (Left side: Hadison Wingo, Martha Wehmeyer, and Brandon Kandlbinder. Middle: Ayden Teaster, Liam Draper, and Mackenzie Cavin. Right Side: Seth Hardison, Stephanie Dunham, and Aaron Faucett.)

The Fair Grove Eagles Marching Band season has officially come to an end following the completion of their last competition on October 28 at UCM. 

This year’s season was under the direction of Band Director, Natalie Palomo. “This year’s season was incredible. These kids have worked so diligently to excel every single day, week after week. I haven’t had a group this independently motivated yet,” said Mrs. Palomo. “The kids would start giving feedback and working to improve without me prompting them, and they didn’t let up all season (even when it was rainy and cold at 6:45 AM).” 

Alyssa Wade (10), a baritone player in the marching band, explained, “We all have a drive to work hard and to be one of the best bands. The passion we all have for marching band just brings us all together.”

Liam Draper (12), this year’s Drum Major for the band, added, “Marching band brings everyone together since we spend so much time working on the same goal and spend so much time together.”

During this season the band members had their obstacles and challenges as well as their goals and ambitions. “Our final goal for the season is to win our class at UCM and make it to finals,” stated Draper. In the end, the Fair Grove Marching Band achieved their goal of winning first place at the UCM competition.   

As the seniors leave, the band opens up to incoming freshmen to continue the band’s success.  “Band is fun and you will join a family that is super hyped, also we need more baritones,” commented Wade. 

As the season concludes, the band looks back on their success like making it to finals at Ozarko Music Festival and getting awarded second place at Reeds Springs. Palomo explained, “They put on a great show, it was so highly entertaining every day, and they never failed to meet my expectations. It was a really great season for us!”