. Three judges decided the victors based on band unity -- "Are you tight?" -- technical skill and stage presence. "Are you a god or a goober?" asked emcee and Aloha High band instructor David Hymans.

The Aloha High marching band performed at halftime, last October, during the Warriors football game against Beaverton. Drummer Stephen McWhirter, a member of the drumline, graduated in June. (Miles ...