The Southeast Missourian asked members of the Jackson Marching Chiefs about their experience with the annual Jackson Marching Band Festival.

Aaron Ulrich: "It's neat to see all the different bands come out and play in a massed band. It's not to have a competition, but to put on a show and have a good time."

Kelli Seabaugh: "It's a way for the people in Jackson to see what our band does every day. It give you a sense of pride to be a part of one of the biggest organizations in Jackson."

Matt Bliese: "For me, it's getting to see what the other bands look like and what they are doing with other ideas. I saw some big, fuzzy dice that will be in the show."

Jackie Pelikan: "I like to see the differences in the bands and the shows. In the massed band, you put nine or ten bands together, and you feel a sense of pride with everyone watching and cheering you."

Deanna Kinder: "You meet a lot of people from other schools each year. You watch the other bands, see if their lines are straight and in step, and you see some special moves that you talk about later."