OMI is a marching band competition that’s hosted by Burke each year. Around 20
bands come out and with 12 of those compete.
Being the school to host OMI means students apart of the Burke band help aid with this day to make to run as smoothly as possible while also getting to watch and cheer on other bands at their own pleasure.
“I enjoy getting to see like all the different bands that come out to our competition and be able to support them while being a good human and hosting them.” Valerie King said.
Even though burke is the school to host this competition, due to track and stadium
renovations, OMI was held at Omaha Northwest this year instead.
“Its kinda disappointing it’s a Northwest because we don’t get to show off our school, but its still fun because it’s the same thing no matter where it is,” Jimmy Fitl said.
There was some worry about figuring out the new school layout and how’d band
members would successfully lead the competing school.
“I’m a bit worried how we are doing to guide everyone to their stations. I know we get a map but sometimes we don’t understand the layout.” Zionah Grandy said.
Even when not showing off Burke, and slight confusions band members are ready to
help, especially if they are able to nab one of their favorite jobs.
“Band guide. It’s a lot more fun because you actually get to meet with the directors and students and you see how their dynamic is compared to ours, even if its a lot of the same like giggling and laughing and stuff like that.” Dayvie White said.
As Burke is the school that hosts, they only perform exhibitions, so they can’t place but they still get helpful feedback so they can improve.
“I like performing exhibition because I feel it’s a lot less stressful as you’re, h I need to
be perfect, you can just kinda relax and that’s personally makes me do better if I don’t think about it.”Fitl said.
All and all, OMI is a big event for Burke marching band members as this is their time
time to show to other schools that they are loud and proud.
“I think everyone works really hard to do this event and without everyone doing at least one shift, we wouldn’t be able to do OMI.” Grandy said.
