COVINGTON, La. — Every school has its signature when they are marching in parades. Whether its school colors, the mascot, or even just the way they present themselves. It makes no difference for St. Paul's in Covington, but it's safe to say the schools one of a kind show band style is one you never forget.
If you catch the Marching Wolves on the parade route, you'll likely hear them before you see them.
"When we are picking music it all comes down to, we want to make your butt move. We've got to make you dance, we have got to make you feel good," said Andrew Moran, director of bands
The 'p' in St. Paul's stands for performance. That's been their specialty for decades now along with their funky music tunes. For the last 15 years Moran has been the quiet force that turns boys into men.
Moran said, "I'm teaching you how to be a better human being through music so that what's my motto has always been."
St. Paul's showmanship originated from the schools first African-American faculty member Roy Mouton. Mouton was a graduate of Southern University. So, when he was hired to revamp the band in the late 1960s, he just did what he knew best.
"This is what we are, this is who we are, it doesn't make sense for us to do anything different," Moran said.
Those funky tunes and suave dance moves stuck and are still making waves on the parade route decades later, but when you lay your eyes on their signature suit, you'll know exactly who they are.
Shawn Cooney, a Senior Drum Major said, "The Southern gentleman uniform, that's been a tradition all the way back to the 1900's."
Cooney marched in the band with his brother before he graduated. Now, that he's the one leading things, he said its something he does not take lightly.
"It definitely puts things into perspective," Cooney said. "It's an honor to be able to give back to the band that has given me so much. When you wear that uniform, you represent St. Paul's. You represent a man of class, a man of patience, and a man of virtue."
Fellow senior and Performance Captain Joshua Pichon said he feels the same way.
"A ton of people in the group really, all start out as kids and end up coming out of this as adults. From 8th grade I was just a shy little guy. I didn't really talk. I was kind of just there and then as the years progressed I feel like I've gotten more confident and i feel like my leadership skills have improved. "
Pichon and Cooney, like the generations of Marching Wolves before them, are ready to put on a show for parade season this year.
"You really have to be enthusiastic for the dancing to really look good," Pichon said.
Cooney said, "The number 1 thing is we just go full out. By the end of it if you don't have shin splints you are doing it wrong."
"Were not just going to walk in a straight line. We are going to put on a show and make sure you are having a good time," said Moran.
You can catch them at one of seven parades this carnival season. For the full list click here.