New Iberia Senior High band members and saxophone players Cole Comeaux, Zoie Schexnayder and Brock LeBlanc prepare in rehearsals to take the field for tonight’s jamboree game.

From the drum major’s whistle to the sounds of the horns, Teche Area high school bands are dedicated to the music, athleticism and precision that makes them a vital part of the stands and the football fields as area schools prepare for this week’s football jamborees. 

Band camp, like football camp, began in the summer months. 

Iberia Parish band leaders have been rehearsing during and after school hours to put the finishing touches on this weekend’s startup season performance.

“The biggest thing that I preach is even though it’s about the music and learning the fundamentals, on game day it’s about entertainment of the crowd and motivation of the football team,” Westgate High School Pride of the Teche band director Percy Williams said.

Westgate senior drum major Natoj Johnson said he enjoys the adrenaline rush of starting a new football season.

“When it comes to the jamboree, it’s very important we know all our music and perform at top-notch because that’s the first time people will see us and we want to make an impression,” Johnson said.

NISH, Delcambre and Westgate all play in tonight’s 2018 Iberia Parish Sugar Cane Football Jamboree. Delcambre plays Jeanerette at 5:30 p.m., Loreauville plays Highland Baptist Christian School at 7 p.m. and Westgate plays NISH at 8:30 p.m.

Even the rain this week didn’t stop rehearsals as band members s either met inside to go over music or practice their moves on concrete instead of the field to make everything precision perfect.

“Its pretty stressful every year and there are times I feel like there’s no way we’re going to be able to do this but it all always works out,” Amarie Bourque, head drum major for New Iberia Senior High’s Pride of Cajunland Band, said.

Bourque, along with other senior band members in Iberia Parish, are preparing for their final jamboree performance. Many said they will take the opportunity to soak in all the game day excitement as they prepare for their final season on the field.

“I’ve been in the band since my freshman year,” Westgate senior Joshua Huval said.

“Just the experience of it and having crowds dance to our music is worth it. It’s a lot of hours a lot of sweat in the heat we got to put in the work to come out and make it look good,” he said.

Delcambre High School senior and band member Carson Hebert is excited about the new season, too.

“It’s exciting but saddening because I know it’s my last  year,” Hebert said. “I’m trying to make it my best and enjoy it with my friends.”

While some are preparing for farewell jamboree performances, others are brand new to the experience.

New Iberia Senior High freshman Kayla Casimere said she’s up for the challenge of earning her place on the field.

“It feels good honestly. It’s different from middle school,” Casimere said. “I feel it’s a challenge for me to learn even more. I knew NISH played a high quality of music but now that I’m working with them its become easier. I hope the crowd goes wild.” 

New band students aren’t the only ones heading to the field for the first time. 

Delcambre High School band director Gregg Griffin is beginning his first year in the new role.

“I want them to be successful and have the time of their life doing it,” Griffin said.