On Saturday Sept. 12, the De Soto High School Marching Band attended the KU band day held in Lawrence.

There were a total of 30 bands attending, along with the KU Marching Band.

There was a parade down Massachusetts Street, and each band marched down the street playing cadences and pep songs.

The DHS Marching Band received many compliments from other bands and citizens attending the parade.

“We got a lot of positive comments from both our parents and members of the community that were there,” said marching band director Matt Bradford. “We also got a lot of positive compliments for the parade, and band directors complimented how much pride our band has.”

After they were done marching, the bands went to practice their songs with the collegiate band.

I’m a Jayhawk, Stand Up and Cheer, Kansas Song, Fighting Jayhawk, and Carry On Wayward Son were the song selections this year.

“We then had a practice at 2:30 p.m. for halftime with all the bands including the KU Band,” Bradford said.

The KU Football team played against Memphis at 6 p.m. that same night.

Although the football team was not able to produce a victory, the Marching Wildcats still had a great time with all of the other bands and friends they had there.

“It was a very long day, but it was a relaxed day with no high pressure,” Bradford said. “We got to see friends, so it was fun.”

The band will compete at the 17th annual Baker University 1A-5A Music Festival in Baldwin City on Oct. 14.

The Marching Wildcats are hoping to secure the top spot at the festival this year.