They may have less members than in the past, but the band keeps marching on.

“We’re not a huge band, so we have a lot of one-on-one time,” said senior trumpeter Jeffrey Cifello, who plays with the 19-member Wareham High School Marching Unit. Cifello explained that older members of the group often act as teachers to some of the younger members. “I’m able to work with brass members and help them with their technical efficiency.”

The group’s only adult influence, Wareham High School Musical Director Heather Ware, said she relies on members like Cifello and others to help prepare the unit for appearances at the high school’s football games, as well as for their biannual performances at New England Scholastic Band Association (NESBA) competitions.

The unit, which includes the school’s color guard, will compete this weekend against three other schools in the NESBA competitions at Reading High School. Their theme this year is from “The Wizard of Oz,” with the musical arrangement done by Ware.

“I’m the only instructor,” said Ware. “A lot of the bigger programs have multiple instructors watching different areas—I’m acting as all of those roles.”

Senior tubist Jamie Shapiro said he feels good going into the competition because the group has utilized the advice of judges from their last competition in September.

“We’re making changes based on their professional point of view to improve the show,” said Shapiro. “Everybody’s definitely learning a lot. If one person’s learning something, everybody is learning it.”

Ware, who is also the music director at the high school, is in her second year leading the group. She said she’s trying to make changes that will help to grow the program.

“We’re taking steps in the right direction,” she said, noting that they’ve been involved in several fundraising efforts in an attempt to get new uniforms. The current uniforms are over 10 years old.

“Marching band uniforms are really expensive,” she said.

Ware said she’s been working to help build up the music program at Wareham Middle School, as well.

“Once it’s built there, it will be a great feeder program for us,” said Ware.

Over the past few weeks, the unit has also been involved in some extra-curricular activities—they performed an unexpected “flash mob” at a recent School Committee meeting, and they also played a surprise birthday celebration for 85-year-old Wareham resident Pat Sarson.

They’re also scheduled to perform at the town’s Veterans Day Parade in November, and Ware said she’s in the process of setting up a fundraising concert, with proceeds going to the program.

Ware said the group is coming off a strong performance at the last football game at Old Rochester Regional High School, and that she hopes they can carry that performance into Saturday’s competition.

“To be able to ride that feeling is a nice experience,” said Ware.

The Wareham High School Marching Unit will perform at 4:35 at Reading High School on Saturday, Oct. 25.