For the first time in Prosper history, the Mighty Eagle Band advanced to state after placing 2nd overall at the Area B marching competition.

The band has been hard at work since late July, but they’re not letting up now.

“The short-term goal at the beginning of the season was just to tune in our rehearsal etiquette,” senior drum major, Abby Riley, said. ”The main short-term goal we have now is to win at state, but that involves cleaning up the end of part four and tuning in the visual sequences.”

The band has come a long way since the beginning of the year. Their goals throughout the season have changed and helped them improve graciously.

“I remember when I was a freshman in 2014, and to see how the freshman this year are expected to be compared to then has changed drastically as well as the growth of the band,” Riley said.

Teamwork and cooperation are key in marching band. There is never time to work individually. They work as a huge family with a common goal in mind.

”The rehearsals are obviously pretty grueling,” Riley said. “Like the 3-a-days in the summer and now with school, handing the workload can be a lot for everyone.”

Band members definitely face a challenge with balancing the work from practice and school, but they build character and learn many life-changing skills in the process.

“The main long-term goal that everyone is starting to understand is cleaning up the process,” Riley said. “Learning the process and being patient with it rather than just expecting to do well will greatly benefit us down the road.”

Being announced as the runner-up came with hundreds of hours of hard work and preparation. But it was all worth it.

“The buzz after we performed was just so incredible, and the feeling of being announced at state was just kind of expected at that point,” Riley said. ” You can’t feel that good and then not follow through.”

The band will compete at the marching competition Nov. 8 at the Alamodome.