The Polk County Cadets recently completed a successful marching band competition season. Under the direction of PCHS director Cindy Gilbert and assistant director Jill Bennett, the Cadets attended three weekend competitions. They also took a weekend trip to Washington, DC, where they played on the south lawn of the United States Capitol.

With their musical program titled A Salute to the USO, the Cadets evoked patriotic pride with songs from World War II era America. Starting their line-up was Come Rain or Come Shine, followed by Ill Be Seeing You. The band then played a combination of tunes in Big Band Blowout, which included the songs Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and Sing, Sing, Sing. Crowds were especially enthusiastic about the Cadets final selections of Thanks for the Memories and America.

Drum Major Erica Painter led the 42-member band wearing an authentic World War II uniform and 14 color guard members performed in period costume as the band played to appreciative crowds at Enkas Land of the Sky Marching Band Festival in North Henderson High Schools Knights Tournament of Bands, and the Mooresville High Schools Blue Devil Classic.

Competing against 1A and 2A schools, the Cadets received accolades in Enka, receiving three first place trophies in class 1AA, drum major, and horn line while second place finishes were attained in percussion and color guard.

At North Henderson High the Cadets fared nearly as well, placing first in class 2A, drum major, percussion, and music categories and second place in color guard and marching. In Mooresville, the Cadets placed first in percussion, drum major, and general effect and second in music, marching and color guard. The Cadets ended the day in Mooresville second in Class 1A.

A weekend trip to Washington, DC, at the beginning of November also proved fun and educational for the Cadets. After their Capitol performance, band members enjoyed touring many of DCs historic sites and landmarks, including several of the memorials and Smithsonian museums, local malls and eateries.