When Cedric Freeman took over as Band Director at Woodlawn High School nine years ago, the marching band only had a handful of students.

Under his leadership, the Woodlawn High School Marching Colonels, better known as the Pride of the Eastside, have not only grown in membership, but also improved in quality, earning superior ratings in recent competitions.

Most recently, the group won Best Band in Division I at the All-City Marching Band Festival, earning superior ratings for band and drum major.