Emeli Eldridge
Colorguard/Weapon – Section Leader
Reflecting on this year’s marching show, “Motif,” the most memorable moments weren’t always on the field, but rather the crucial after practice vents with Mars, which highlight the team’s strong bond. This season has been a landmark achievement, with the Colonel most proud of overcoming bad blood and creating the best year ever with the best people. Favorite memories revolve around these moments of camaraderie, from looking through the flicker pictures and finding great shots, to the excitement when the senior group chat goes off, iykyk. This tight-knit culture is why the tradition of the guard chants and handshakes will be missed the most.
Being a Marching Colonel means much more than performing; it means being responsible and respectful and understanding that you’re not alone. The band has profoundly influenced this member over the years by emphasizing the importance of being responsible for not only yourself but also the people you hang out with, internalizing the lesson that your peers will always reflect on you. For any younger member just starting, the most important advice is simple but crucial: COUNT! While plans after high school are still undecided, the skills developed here—especially a newfound patience with others—will undoubtedly help in any future endeavor.
Tristan Bacon
Saxophone – Section Leader
As a Section Leader who has spent five years in the Marching Colonels Band, this senior views their identity proudly, stating simply: “I am greatness.” For them, the band was more than just an activity; it was one of the only escapes from the real world, and saved me more than once, a powerful message they wish to share with the entire ensemble and staff. Reflecting on the “Motif” show, the favorite element was undeniably the music, while a season highlight was bringing back the chants that energized the group. The most satisfying accomplishment this year was how close the band came to victory when they almost beat Lafayette in our first competition. Although the senior looks forward to their future, they’ll sorely miss the cherished tradition of the watermelon smasha’.
The influence of the Marching Colonels has been profound, instilling the core value of the worth of patience in doing something you love. This patience and experience dealing with others will serve them well, as they plan to go to college for linguistics and tutor kids in English, noting that their time in the band means they’ll be “incredibly used to dealing with kids.” For any young member just starting out, this Colonel has a clear message of encouragement: “Don’t give up, have hope, you’ll make it.”
Thomas McCarty
Clarinet – Section Leader
As a Section Leader this season, this Marching Colonel views the experience simply as the honor of being in the Bourbon County Marching Band. When reflecting on the “Motif” show, the favorite element was pragmatic: the music being fun to play. But the highlights weren’t always on the field, with a memorable moment being the simple joy of watching the Colts go 2-0 after 15 years, and the one tradition they will miss most are the cool chants the band shares.
This year brought a significant personal victory, with the Colonel most proud of losing 50 pounds—a testament to hard work and commitment. While joking that being part of the Marching Colonels “made me tired,” they acknowledge the deep impact the commitment has had. This intense schedule led to the single most important lesson they will carry forward: get more sleep. This is also the one piece of advice they’d give to any younger member just starting: “Don’t give up, have hope, you’ll make it, and get more sleep!”
Looking ahead, the plan is beautifully simple: building a cabin then living in peace. This aspiration will be supported by the discipline developed over the years in the marching band, which will certainly help in the future. Their final message to the band, staff, and loved ones is delivered with a signature sign-off: “The Colts are back, Indiana Jones. Go Colts.”
Kylie Hubbard
Euphonium – Section Leader
Serving as a Low Brass Section Leader for three years, this senior has found their life’s direction within the Marching Colonels. Being a Marching Colonel means having the privilege of being part of a family like no other—a program that ties people together for life through shared effort and performance. This deep connection is why the senior is most proud of the memories made this year, even though it signals the coming farewell to this cherished family.
The most profound influence of the band has been realizing a deep passion for not only making music, but teaching it. This realization, fostered through three years of leadership, has set their path: they plan to go on to become a Middle School Band Director. They are confident that the discipline and work ethic learned here will make their future career successful.
Reflecting on the “Motif” show, the experience was dreamlike, highlighted by getting an amazing solo and being in a show so fitting for their senior year. Yet, the greatest takeaway is a simple, profound lesson for all members: you must live in the moment 100% of the time. Six years might seem like forever, but the only way to savor the short time is to take it all in before you wish you could go back.
The senior will especially miss the dedicated, sometimes chaotic, atmosphere of State Week—from trying not to laugh during quiet time to being dog-tired together before the big performance.
This Colonel leaves powerful advice for younger members: Don’t complain about the long and hot rehearsals because it genuinely is worth every sweat and tear. The only way to succeed is to WANT it with every fiber of your soul. Finally, a heartfelt message was shared with the Low Brass: “You guys are like my honorary siblings,” and the hope is that they keep the section “just as dumb, yet special,” as it has always been.