The Maverick Marching Band gave its first performance of the season at the annual watermelon social. At the event, the band performed stand tunes and the first part of the marching show, Garden of the Mind.

“The purpose of the watermelon social is to give a performance of everything we’ve learned in all these hours of summer band,” Assistant Band Director Jason Dimiceli said. “And to have it in a casual and friendly atmosphere.”

The audience at the watermelon social consisted of band parents, siblings, friends and alumni. The crowd was introduced to the 2013-14 marching band and the show.

“The band was full of school spirit,” band father Steven Bach said. “I like watching the show because it’s good to see our kids perform enthusiastically in this event. “

The people in the audience weren’t the only ones who enjoyed the watermelon social. Members of the band were excited to perform as well.

“My last watermelon social was very enjoyable,” senior Daisha Barry said. “I had lots of fun, and I always make the best memories in band.”

While seniors had their last watermelon social, the incoming freshmen had their first opportunity to perform.

“My first watermelon social was awesome,” freshman Diana Kim said. “I’m loving band and I like how we encourage each other to do better when we’re all exhausted when we march.”

Watching these new members march were some band alumni who came to support their friends and check up on their old band program. Unlike others, these audience members had mixed feelings when watching the performance.

“The band looks good,” band alumni Gareth Deakes said. “But I was kind of sad. It felt weird not being able to do what I love.”

Members of the band had been practicing for nine hours a day in the two weeks leading up to the watermelon social. Many people believe that the students’ hard work showed in their performance.

“We got a ton of positive comments from the parents and friends in the audience,” Drum Major Kelsey Chandler said. “The band has been working for so many hours in the summer heat to make this show awesome, and their dedication definitely showed in their performance.”

The well-received performance was of part of one of the band’s show entitled Garden of the Mind. The show, which features music such as Pure Imagination and Make Our Garden Grow, explores creativity, imagination and curiosity.

“This our most creative show that we’ve done before,” Dimiceli said. “And there should be opportunities for people to hear recognizable music.”

The band directors believe that this will be a successful year for the marching band after seeing how hard the members have worked.

“We are focusing on being the best McNeil band,” Dimiceli said. “ If we don’t do that, then it doesn’t really matter.”