OKEMOS - The Okemos High School Marching Band is back at work and preparing for their season. With hours of practice that started on August 7, the band is working hard to perfect their sets.

The marching band performs at every home football game, school assemblies and much more.

"I'm feeling very good about it. They've worked hard in the heat and the sun the last week and a half and they've just really done a spectacular job of learning their show and getting it ready to perform for everybody," said Mark Stice, Okemos Marching Band Director.

Stice has been the band director at Okemos High School since 2006.

"I mean it's just such a great place to be and a great job to have. I just love being around these great, talented students," said Stice.

The band consists of around 160 members. Balancing school work with band requires a lot of time management, according to some of the members.

"Tuesday nights you really have to allot your homework so that your Tuesday nights are as free as they can get," said one band member.

The band is always welcoming to new members and even matches up new members with older ones so that they have a mentor when they need it.

According to Stice he is excited for the season and hopes to build upon their tradition of excellence.