The Bands of Irmo won its ninth straight state championship last weekend in Rock Hill. This year's show, "Synergy," featured classical and popular music, as well as a complicated routine that had members marching backwards and sideways. We asked band director Ken Turner about the winning year.

1. How many members does the band have?

138.

2. Practice started in August. Counting preschool band camp and after-school practices, how many hours has the marching band practiced this fall?

Band camp - 80 hours. (Regular practice), 11 weeks at nine hours per week - 99 hours. Camps during the fall - 12 hours. Total number - 191 hours.

3. What do you think distinguished the Irmo band from its competitors during state competition?

This was one of the most technically difficult and physically demanding shows we have ever attempted at Irmo. When we finally got it together, the judges rewarded us with high points for demand as well as for our execution. We work extremely hard and try to not let any obstacles stop us, such as weather, fatigue, etc. It is a mind-set that we strive for from the first day of practice. No excuses.

4. What was special about this year that you won't soon forget?

The improvement, perseverance and determination of the band members.

5. What are you going to do with all the time you USED to spend on the practice field on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights - and the occasional Saturday?

We never let up here, just change gears. There is always something ahead to prepare for. However, I do look forward to spending some quality time with my family now that I am not getting home at 10 p.m. every night.

- Christine Schweickert