The Fountain-Fort Carson High School Trojan Marching Band began the new academic year by securing multiple top honors at the Colorado State Fair Parade in downtown Pueblo. The Colorado Springs Gazette reported that the ensemble earned first-place trophies for top Class 5A marching band, sweepstakes awards, and best color guard and drum major, according to a news release from the Pueblo Chamber of Commerce.
Director Joshua Race noted this marks the program’s third top finish since 2022. With a roster expanded to 140 students, the group aims to improve upon last season’s seventh-place state championship result. Race highlighted the unique challenges facing these student musicians, many of whom come from active-duty military families and may relocate unexpectedly. To ensure the band has necessary instruments for future seasons if specific students depart, directors coordinate closely with middle school colleagues and teach current members new instruments proactively. Senior drum majors Lucius Gallagher, Bri Owens, and Marley Schroeder now lead the ensemble as they prepare for state championships at the Air Force Academy in late October. Race stated the educational goal remains consistent performance improvement, hoping to medal after making finals with a younger cohort previously.
For more information, visit gazette.com.