Band members took positions in a musical lineup outside Marblehead High School, an hour before the Thanksgiving football game.

Swampscott and Marblehead stood shoulder to shoulder, blue and red, rehearsing their joint performance of the National Anthem. 

Topped in feathered caps and headbands, they formed rows — one part military precision, one part carnival.

The players pounded rhythms and lifted notes high, belting out a signature thump and call that says high school football and marching band.