Five years ago, when I joined the band at Evans Middle School, I had no idea music would become my passion.

I joined only because my older brother had been in band. I decided to try the bassoon, and I now play it in the concert band at Evans High School.

I'm a sophomore, and this is my fifth year in concert band and my second season for color guard in the marching bands. I love it.

The competition show this year, Rhythms of a City, has intense music, marching techniques and show-enhancing visuals. Taking the field for a competition with the guard is always the most fun, because everything comes down to those few songs when we are on the field.

All those weeks of practice over the hot Georgia summer actually paid off.

Band director Reid Hall and the assistant band director Geoff Rosche decided to create a competition band for those who wanted a more intense drill and technical music.

Many other students were up to the challenge: Rachel Guffey, a freshman flute player, is one of them.

"I love band and I couldn't get enough of it, so I decided to take the challenge," she said.

Monica Ridlehoover, a junior trumpet player, said: "I like competing, mastering the challenging drill, and playing the intense music."

Right before shows, there is usually a time when you really get to feel a bond.

"I like the togetherness, the family idea of the band, and working together for a goal," said Drew Ziemba, a senior trumpet player.

The members of the Evans competition band have to put in hours of practice every week, give up weeks of our summer, and three Saturdays through marching season. The color guard practiced for two extra weeks this summer so that we could be at our best performance level for the show. We also practiced on Wednesday afternoons, along with drumline.

Being in the band has made me a more mature, responsible person. I have to know when I need to practice, what equipment I need for practice and class and how to be a leader.

I have made so many friends that share my passion for music. Every day at school when I walk into the band room, I feel like I am walking in to see my family.

Being in the competition band takes a lot of determination and heart.

When you're in the band room, you will see a sign that says "Got Heart?" over our door. It is a simple reminder that you have to try your hardest at everything you do in competition band and everyday life.

Jena Berkhimer is a sophomore at Evans High School.