Kempsville High School was notorious for its marching band in the late ‘80s and now the 2023 Chiefs hope to bring Kempsville’s name back into the light. Kempsvilles marching chiefs are a group of 26 on the up-and-coming rise competing this year in multiple competitions so far winning first, second, and superior in their competitions. 

The band starts in May and does summer rehearsals right before band boot camp in August, after that they continue to practice over 3 times a week till the end of football and competition season. 

Finn Skidmore, a senior leader in the marching band, has put in years’ worth of practice and work to be where he is today. To him, marching band is more than what it seems.

“It’s not like other sports, like you know some people and don’t, but with the marching band, you form a family bond,” Skidmore explains.

“They are my closest friends because we are in an activity where we need to be that close all the time. It creates those bonds, whether you like it or not they are your bandmates.” 

The point of the show is internal struggle and representing it through music and teamwork as they march together. Skidmore talks about the show with passion saying how they “create something out of nothing and then by the end of the season you end up with a whole show “and how it’s“ good to experience that with a crowd that actually wants to see it.”

Mr. Webb, band director at Kempsville High School continues to lead the chiefs into victory and he and the Kempsville marching chiefs continue to rise beyond and above expectations every year. 

“There are times when it has to do with talent and work ethic.” But “not every band is not gonna be the same. You have to look at it as a positive not a negative, just focusing on the good things gives people a reason to come back,” Says Mr. Webb.

During the start of band camp, Mr. Webb states it’s easier to work because “You’re only focusing on one thing at a time in the beginning.” But over the course of a few weeks,“ You get to see growth over time and that’s nice.” 

Kyra Allen, the drum major of Kempsville marching Cheifs started out as a concert band clarinet and later became a drum major during her sophomore year.Allen’s outstanding leadership skills have shined this year as she leads the marching chiefs to victory. 

Being the drum major as a sophomore, Allen “expected stress going into drum major,” and was stressed about the upcoming season, but put in the work to be where she is today. 

 “I’ve learned so much on how to connect with people that aren’t exactly like me. My leadership skills have helped me improve socially, and I’ve learned to be closer to people that aren’t exactly the type of people that I would be friends with, but I love my family band so much” says Allen.

The marching band is a family of 26 members, with new people coming and going every year with the graduating seniors and the incoming freshman, but every single person in the band is family in some way, giving Allen the inspiration and “the personality and willingness I have today.”