All week long, North Decatur High School band students have been busy rehearsing, marching and having a little fun while getting ready for the upcoming season during this year’s “band camp.”

Under the tutelage of band director Jonathon Edwards, the 33-member group of students have been practicing for hours every day this week. And their efforts will finally be made public at a concert at 11 a.m. on Friday outside North Decatur High School. The concert will act as a preview performance for the community to see what the young musicians have been up to, Edwards said.

Though devoting most of their week to the band, the students are also able to enjoy a few breaks and activities, including a water balloon fight and an overnight party. Every day during band camp, the students’ parents have been providing dinner, and the local Papa John’s restaurant gave the group a good deal on a plethora of pizzas.

“We’ve had a lot of support from the parents this week,” Edwards explained.

While getting 33 students, including the guard, ready for a major performance in just a week seems like an almost impossible task, the marching musicians are sure to be ready when the Friday performance time arrives.

The concert, which features some of the music of KISS, not only serves as a benefit to the community and halftime shows during the football season, but it gives the band students the opportunity to rehearse for the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) competition, where they will take their performance and compete later in the school year.