Which marching bands bring it every Friday night? We rank the top 5 in Marion County

I went to Florida A&M University, where the Marching 100 fills the campus with tunes. Being around band culture doesn’t make me an expert, but it has given me an appreciation for marching bands.

A good band can become the heart and soul of a student section. When they take the field during halftime, no one leaves their seats until the final note.

And a dazzling rendition of the Star-Banner can leave an audience mesmerized. So, let's rank the best performances I've seen so far this season.

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1. West Port

There's something about a good drumline that captivates a listener. It could be one snare drum that ensnares you throughout the entire performance. (See what I did there?)

The Wolf Pack band clocks in at number because of their percussion section. Their overall sound and clarity are impressive, too.

2. Trinity Catholic

The Celtics’ marching band members would be a college band director’s dream. Their theatrics and drill sequences prepare for the intricate performances during Saturday afternoon halftime shows.

Watching the Celtics is a good start if you’ve ever wondered what precision and sound look like at the college level. When the Celtics took the field during homecoming's halftime show, their drill stole the show.

3. Vanguard

There’s an energy you feel when the Knights take the field. It's a fun, crisp sound with a strong drumline and a flowing woodwind section.

What Vanguard’s band does from their seats may be more impressive. They’re accompanied by dancers whose visuals accompany a band you can feel in your bones.

4. Dunnellon

The Tigers don’t disappoint during halftime shows. They create a memorable show through their sound, on-field performance, and color guard.

Dunnellon's band has an infectious feel when there's action on the field. They add to the atmosphere of game play and the Tigers' success.

5. North Marion

There’s something about controlled noise that wins the crowd over. When done correctly, it results in a crisp sound that allows each instrument to shine.

The Colts band is on the right side of control when their director gives the cue. They prove you don’t need to be the loudest; you just need clarity.

Allen Pettigrew is a sports reporter for the Ocala Star-Banner. Follow him on Friday nights on X, formerly known as Twitter, @AP_Writess.

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Ranking marching bands in Marion County for Friday night football