The months of July and August mean days filled with relaxation and fun.

This, however, isn’t the case for the members of Lake Central’s Tribe of Pride.

“Our season started in about May, but actual band camp started in late July,” senior and Drum Major Audrey Lozano said.

When many people hear the words ‘band camp’ the movie American Pie comes to mind.

In reality, though, that’s not the case. Band camp takes place in the Freshmen Center parking lot where the marching band members spend many hours during the course of many days learning and practicing the music and formations for their upcoming season.

The Tribe of Pride’s theme this year will be named “Hydrology: The Cycles of Water.” The show will consist of music and color guard demonstrations that depict the feeling, look, and sound of different forms of water.

“We have a design team that comes together around Christmas time and throws out ideas for the upcoming season’s show,” Band Director Mr. Chris Harmon said. “Once we have an idea we pick music that will go well with it.”

It is important for the design team to pick a theme that will be exciting for the students to learn and practice. They also take into consideration whether the audience will enjoy and tune into the show during performances.

“In my opinion, this could possibly be one of the best shows the Lake Central Marching Band program has had,” Lozano said.

“We have a reputation for being an exciting band,” Mr. Harmon said.

This year’s marching band consists of 152 Lake Central students. This, according to Mr. Harmon, is quite a step up from last year.

Lozano said that she hopes this season will be better than last year’s.

“We’re off to a great start this year; I’m really excited about it,” Mr. Harmon said.

Having a strong start to a marching season is an important factor leading to an overall successful season.

“I’m looking forward to BOA (Bands of America) Grand Nationals;” Lozano said. “It makes all the hard work that the band does throughout the year worth it.”

Watch for the Tribe of Pride during halftime at LC’s varsity home football games this coming season, or watch them perform at marching band competitions across the nation.