Rehearsing pride shouts before competition are Lawrence High School Marching Lions seniors Tim Silvers, left, and Elly Willis at the Blue Valley Tiger Invitational Marching Festival in Stilwell. The Lions placed fifth overall in finals of the ranked competition.

Free State sophomore colorguard member Sara Hilliard waves one of many vibrant flags during the preliminary competition on Saturday.

Free State High School Marching Firebirds flute section members take turns kissing a stuffed toy for good luck prior to their first performance at the Blue Valley Tiger Invitational Marching Festival in Stilwell. Pictured are Susan Lee, sophomore, center, and Laura Christensen, junior. The Marching Firebirds placed third overall in finals of the competition. Eleven schools from Kansas and Missouri competed for rank in Saturday's festival.

Marching in regimented form to the competition field are the Lawrence High School Marching Lions. The band is directed by Mike Jones.