Photo Gallery: Mauldin High School Marching Band

You think it's hard getting your children to stay in line? Try synchronizing 154 teenagers.

At this time of year football players may get all the glory — but give the Mauldin High School marching band (and Color Guard) some love, too. Marching in lock-step and in often intricate formations, all the while toting and playing an instrument — in tune and in time — isn't exactly easy.

As the Mavs prepare for a new football season, so too are the Mav's marching band and color guard. The ensemble is one of the best in South Carolina, finishing eighth last year among the state's 5A schools in a statewide band competition.

On Thursday, Mauldin Middle School band director, Jim Kilgus, who is subbing temporarily for Adam Scheuch, marveled at the teenagers (both veterans and newcomers) who were assembled in the school parking lot to practice for the upcoming season.

Kilgus marveled at their dedication and discipline, as well as their craft. When players messed up, many dropped to the ground to do penance in pushups (voluntarily). One player who was late to practice took a lap around the expansive parking lot as self-punishment. 

The band, as part of their pre-practice regimen, also performed stretches, calisthenics, and ran laps.

"We probably have one of the most fit bands around," said Kilgus. The hard work and dedication of the students is a hallmark of the band, he said, proudly.

"Our kids know it's an honor to be here," he said.

Check out our photo gallery of the band, as they prepared Thursday for the upcoming football season.