Just like other NSAA sanctioned activities, Westside’s band participates in competitions across the Omaha metro. So far this year they have competed in the Capitol City Marching Band Championships, Lincoln Links Marching Contest and Omaha Marching Invitational. On Saturday, they will partake in the NSBA State Contest. In past competitions, the band has placed in the top ten and drum major Colleen Hacker knows just how much work it takes to become competition ready.

“We have rehearsals everyday, mod one,” Hacker said. “Monday nights we have rehearsal from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Wednesdays we have rehearsal 7:30 a.m. through mod one. Thursdays and Fridays we have rehearsal from 7 to 7:45 a.m. and then the normal mod one rehearsal.”

As far as state is concerned, the band is not concerned with the title.

“State is just another competition,” Hacker said. “There’s obviously more pressure to do well because all the metro schools are there performing and competing against us, however our mentality is to just be better than our last performance — and as long as we gave it everything we got then it was worth it.”

Hacker went on to  emphasize the importance band has played in her high school career.

“It’s something I’ve always been passionate about, and ever since I became drum major as a junior I feel like I’ve really matured as a person and have learned lots by participating in it,” Hacker said.