Langham competed at the Battle at the Berry competition this past weekend and received 1st place in their division and 5th overall. This marks a major leap from last years’ performance and indicates high prospects for the band as their competitive season begins.

The Battle at the Berry is a time for the band to show their talent and see where they may need to improve for the ensuing season. This being Langham’s first competition this year, tensions were no doubt risen.

“It’s a good type of nervous—I’m excited to perform the show in front of judges,” band member Timothy Walker, who plays trombone, said.

While the actual show may only be fifteen minutes, the weeks preceding required dedicated practice and coordination, continuing all the way to the day of.

“We show up to school around five hours before the competition, we rehearse for about an hour before the competition, and then arrive at the competition about two and-a-half hours before we perform,” Walker said. “During that time, [we] mentally prepare ourselves, set up props, and warm-up.”

The show took on a technological theme, with multiple, varied movements that were inspired by modern pieces, which is a break from Langham’s historical focus on classical music. The show is called Short Circuit.

“My favorite moment of the show is our last movement,” Walker said, “I believe it has a tone of potential to give off a powerful and memorable end to the production.”

This competition was the first event in what is known as “Band-tober”—where the band has a competition every weekend during October. With Langham’s initial success in mind, things seem promising for how the season will unfold.