What does it really mean to be part of the Effingham County High School marching band? These student leaders spell it out — in their own words.

The Rebel Regiment is more than music and marching. Behind the polished performances, crisp formations, and thunderous Friday night stand tunes is a team of hardworking students who practice through the heat, support one another like family, and take pride in every note.

We asked nine section leaders to reflect on their experiences in the band. Each answered the same set of questions — about discipline, challenges, traditions, teamwork, and more. From those interviews, we chose one standout quote from each student that best captured their individual voice and perspective.

Together, these nine voices form one powerful sound.

Davis Tilley — Sophomore trumpet player and section leader
 Q: What does band mean to you?
 A: Band to me is a huge commitment. There’s a lot of work that goes into it, and it means a lot to me because it helped me become the person I am today. It helped me with my intelligence and my discipline. I think band kids are definitely more intelligent than a lot of other people — not just because of discipline but because of everything that goes into it.

Hansleigh Page — Senior alto saxophone player and section leader
 Q: What are you most excited about for this upcoming season?
 A: This upcoming season, we’re going to New York, and that’s something I’m really looking forward to because I’ve never traveled that far — especially with the band and having all my friends go with me. I’m also excited about marching in the parade, which is televised nationwide. I’m so excited to do it.
 Editor’s note: The Rebel Regiment has been invited to perform in the 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City.

Shelby Creasy — Senior color guard leader
 Q: What’s the hardest part about band camp?
 A: Definitely having to wake up early and persevere through it even though you’re tired. You just have to keep trying. You can’t give up. You can’t stop giving effort because you’re tired — you have to persevere and keep going.

Jaycob Gurganious — Senior alto saxophone player and section leader
 Q: What advice would you give to a freshman just starting out in band?
 A: A lot of people try it and don’t like it, but these are going to be the most intense days. I say just get through band camp — and you’ll like it a lot more after that.

Jeremy Gatewood — Senior trombone player and section leader
 Q: How does your section support each other?
 A: With energy. If one person has energy, then everyone will. If one person feels left out, we’ll pick them up and try to get them back into their performance.

Karley Worsham — Junior mellophone player and section leader
 Q: What’s your favorite tradition or memory with the band?
 A: Every once in a while, toward the last practice of camp, Mr. Alford says we’ll have ice cream — but it’s actually a prank to trick the freshmen. I think it’s really fun because he lets the freshmen go first, and when they get there, there’s no ice cream. Then they realize it’s a prank. I just think it’s fun.

Matthew Found — Senior clarinet player and section leader
 Q: What’s your favorite song to play on your instrument?
 A: Probably “Old 100th” (by Louis Bourgeois), because it’s a song we play a lot. It’s a low chorale and it’s really fun because the whole band plays together and it sounds really good.

Nicholas Marine — Senior tuba player and section leader
 Q: Describe the feeling of playing under the Friday night lights.
 A: It’s a great feeling. A whole lot of people come out to the games just to hear the band play. I’d say maybe a third of the people — with how big our band is and all the band parents — are there for us. A good portion of the stands are rooting for us all night when we’re doing stand tunes. I know a few people on the football team who don’t even want to go to the game if the band doesn’t come with them to play and support them. It’s the people there who support us that make it special.

Charly Logan — Senior baritone player and section leader
 Q: What is something that people don’t understand about being in band?
 A: I think people see what we do and only see the serious side. They don’t really see the relationships we build off of it. Yes, we take it seriously and want to win, but at the same time, everyone’s just here with their friends. Everybody just loves what they do, and it’s not nearly as difficult as people think it is.