The sound of music wafts through the stadium. Each section of the band playing their part, all fusing together to create one sound. The stands are occupied with marching band fans, parents and friends. All of the summer days spent at band camps and rehearsals will pay off for this performance. This year’s show is titled Elysium, drawing inspiration from a dream-like world. Starting off with a teach theme for the first half, the second half transitions into a more free and less structured piece.

Each year, the Columbus North Invitational is the first competition for The Sound and Spirit of Columbus, or SSC, to kick off the competitive season. Along with SSC, the invitational gives other bands a chance to kick off their competitive season, and gives marching band fans to see other high schools. Senior Daniel Johnson describes the different areas from which the bands are from.

“Eighteen bands are invited from Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. Everyone has been practicing their shows from the beginning of the summer up until now,” Johnson said. “There are wind sections marching the field, color guard dancing and throwing flags, and the pit percussion up front with various other instruments.”

Along with seeing other schools, it is a chance for SSC to show off their skills and work that they have put in during the many rehearsals leading up to the first invitational. Sophomore Eden Gover describes the atmosphere of the invitationals.

“A total of 17 bands, including our band, will be performing their shows that they have been learning and working on this season,” Gover said. “There are five different classes that bands are grouped into according to their size. The smallest groups are in class A and the largest groups are in 5A.”

This year, like previous years, the first invitational has been hosted by North. Drum Major Clark Moats describes the responsibility of hosting such an event.

“North plays a big role,” Moats said, “they send out invites and take care of all the fundraisers and food.”

Although the show is the first competition for most of the bands, Martinez explains the difference with this performance of Elysium. Junior Lili Martinez explains the performance role North hosts.

“North acts as the host school for other bands,” Martinez explained, “we don’t compete with them, but at the end of the competition we have an exhibition show and we perform for the bands.”

Along with live music, the invitational also has other opportunities to support the bands. Martinez also shares her thoughts on the atmosphere the invitational creates.

“I’d say the performances are all very exciting,” Martinez said. “Also, there are vendors selling many things like food and jewelry and band merch.”

Johnson also reflects on the environment that the invitational creates.

“I think that it is exciting to see all of the big bands in our area play. Lots of loud music and impressive visual performances will be happening throughout the night, Johnson said. “It’s like a big concert.”

With many different reasons to come, Martinez explains the importance of showing up to support.

“The invitational raises money for the band,” Martinez said, “and it’s a great way to see the talents of both Columbus’s band and other schools.”