In life, pursuits are never-ending. There’s always something we’re chasing after, trying to reach, hoping to capture, even if for a moment.

But in high school, many of those dreams, goals and accomplishments require a sprint, not a marathon, because the time goes by, metaphorically anyway, in an instant.

“This year, I’m chasing the best version of myself every day,” said senior Ella Naylor, who plays first trumpet as part of the Southern Regional Golden Rams Marching Band. “As a band, we’re chasing after our best season, our best run. That’s the goal every season.”

Southern had the “best run” in Open Class Group 2 on Nov. 1, capturing the Tournament of Bands New Jersey championship on the field of Barnegat High School.

“It doesn’t matter if we win or lose,” said freshman color guard member Cleona Quinn. “It’s just about having a great run and doing our best that day. We all want to do well, and today we were pretty close to the top, where we want to be.”

BANG AWAY: Southern Regional senior drummer Miles Vandenberge helps set the tone for a first-place performance by the Golden Rams marching band on Nov. 1. (Photo by David Biggy)

Within a performance that mashes music from various sectors of the 1980s, or at least draws inspiration from that decade, the premise is simple: There’s a pursuit taking place, and it’s time to run after “What We’re Chasing.”

“We’re always in pursuit of perfection, and it’s a microcosm of how we live our lives every day,” said Golden Rams director Andrew Wright, whose band scored 95.4 to cruise past South Plainfield (91.8) and North Bergen (90.3) for the top spot in the division. “There’s always something more we’re going after. We’re always chasing the perfect job, or life situation, bigger goals and dreams.”

Using a sweeping array of music that depicts running – from “Jason” by The Midnight to “I Ran (So Far Away)” by A Flock of Seagulls, followed by “Runnin’ Down a Dream” from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers as well as a ballad featuring elements from the movie “Tron,” quotes from Pink Floyd’s “Run Like Hell” and Woodkid’s song “Run Boy Run” – the Golden Rams enthralled the crowd and judges.

Amid that musical array were the color guard members, showing what the pursuit was all about, mainly by running, not walking, toward an outstanding score.

STUNNING: Color guard member Cleona Quinn (center) waves her flag to aid in the visual efforts for the Golden Rams, as they work together to capture another state title. (Photo by David Biggy)

Musically, Southern tallied 57.7 points to go with a visual score of 37.7 to snag the trophies for both categories. Of the bands performing across all four divisions, only West Deptford had a slightly higher score than Southern, registering a 95.9 – not surprising, considering both programs typically are among the top bands in the Atlantic Coast Championship competition in Hershey, Pa.

“We’re chasing the perfect run and accomplishing that great feeling when we walk off the field in Hershey,” said senior drummer Miles Vandenberge, who has been part of the Southern bands that have won the ACC title the past two years. “This year, we want the best score that’s going to win the Atlantic Coast Championship. We’re going for three in a row, and the pressure definitely is on because of the great seasons we’ve had the past two years. But the focus has to be on what we’re doing now, not last year or the year before. Even if we don’t win, we want to achieve the best score we can get for this season.”

However, there’s a more overarching message for “What We’re Chasing,” according to Wright, who along with his associate directors begin developing the current season’s program during the prior winter or early spring.

ADD IT TO THE WALL: The seniors of the Golden Rams marching band show off the banner and associated hardware that come with being Open Group 2 state champions. (Supplied Photo)

“As young people, they always have goals and dreams they’re chasing after, but what we want for them is to enjoy the journey,” Wright said. “They should take time to recognize what that journey is about and that they’re doing it together. That pursuit is always worth it, but, in a lot of ways, that journey they’re taking is the destination.”

Vandenberge gets it.

“During my years with the band, I’ve really learned about the importance of our connections, that you really should value those connections with the people you get to know so well, and I truly value every moment,” he said. “The connections with the people in our band are awesome. It’s such a unique experience.”

The Atlantic Coast Championship competition is set for Saturday, Nov. 7 – by the way, this is the marching band’s vacation during the fall break from classes – and the Golden Rams expect to be in the running for a three-peat.

“Today, we were really good. The journey our kids took us on was incredible,” Wright said. “We have one more race to run, and we’re going to find out if perfection is attainable. But most importantly, I want them to come off the field feeling that they left it all out there, that the journey we’ve taken together has been worth it.”