As the band marches onto the football field, its announcer, Allison Supko, can be heard above the crowd's silence.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," she says. The band stands attentively and responds "hup-ho, hup-ho, hup, ho," one of its traditions before performing.

And perform it does. The Little Green Machine, South Fayette High School's marching band, is a remarkably talented group; it is known for playing instruments and dancing at the same time.

Director Michael Mackey says, "The difference between the Little Green Machine and other typical marching bands is that during halftime it is the one factor that prevents people from leaving their seats to get a hot dog."

With a gigantic burst of energy, an assortment of student-choreographed dances and current, upbeat tunes, the Little Green Machine is in a category by itself.

For 61 years, the Little Green Machine has awed audiences with its simultaneous playing and dancing. This phenomenon began with the first band director, Dominic Scacchiti, who started the group. At that point, the band consisted of 40 musicians and a world of potential as a result of Mr. Scacchiti's expectations.

After Mr. Scacchiti retired in 1962, John Testa directed the band. During his tenure, LGM performed for the third game of the World Series at Three Rivers Stadium when the Pittsburgh Pirates played the Baltimore Orioles. Testa served as director in 1970, which is about the time the band gained its name, the "Little Green Machine," reflecting the school colors of green and white.

In 1990, a former student of Mr. Scacchiti and Mr. Testa became the band's new director. Clem Rolin continued the band's success; under his leadership, students were invited to appear on ABC's "Good Morning America" TV show.

In 2003, Mr. Mackey took over after Mr. Rolin retired. Mr. Mackey has managed to keep the band's reputation alive and maintain the high performance standards set by his grandfather, Dominic Scacchiti.

But all these directors have one thing in common: each man has always done his own arrangements of music for the band to play. This tradition has allowed the Little Green Machine to create its distinctive sound. The directors arrange current, up-tempo music that people recognize such as a Rascal Flatts song, "My Wish"; "Walk This Way," a hit by the rock band Aerosmith; and this year's routine, "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi.

The Little Green Machine's dances are choreographed by seniors during a four-week summer band camp. Rookies spend their first year rotating in and out of spots on the field during the band's performance season. The majorettes must know how to play an instrument and play in the band for at least a year before auditioning to twirl. There are typically four to five majorettes twirling away in front of the band.

An annual band trip, held near the end of the school year, sends students on the road to showcase their talents. Locations for trips have included New York; Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Orlando, Fla.; and Chicago. On these trips, the band usually performs its routine from that year's season.

For example, in Chicago, the band performed right in the heart of the city.

"The band trips give us a lot of opportunities that we've never had before," said Christa Fornella, a piccolo player. "They allow us to see and explore new places on our own and also allow us to perform in a different atmosphere. Our band trips are things that we will remember for the rest of our lives."

In April, the band will travel to New York City to perform.

During a season, the Little Green Machine spends Friday nights at football games and most Saturday nights at local band festivals.

Dan Santiso, a trumpet player, said, "Since our band is so different, each performance is always a new experience. The more reaction we get from the crowd, the deeper we get into the performance, and when we're really into the performance, our sound will reflect that."

A standing ovation is a usual goal set for each show, and in some cases the LGM has received more than one. The members play yearly at local events including the Labor Day parade, the Memorial Day parade and a regular-season Steelers game at Heinz Field.

In 2003, the Little Green Machine performed at the grand opening of Southwest Airlines at Pittsburgh International Airport.

Outside of the fall marching season, the band shifts into concert mode for annual winter holiday and spring concerts. This year's spring concert is April 21 at 7 p.m. in the South Fayette High School Theater. The band will play music from around the world including an arrangement of music from the Harry Potter movies.

Through 61 years of dedication, traditions and a revered reputation, the Little Green Machine members and alumni believe they have outdone themselves.

"Our director once said, 'One band, one sound,' and our practice and energy makes the Little Green Machine the best in my opinion," said saxophone player Stephanie Schultz.

The sound people hear from the 70-plus member band, along with its exaggerated dance steps, is what members believe makes the LGM the highlight of Pittsburgh band festivals. As Mr. Mackey always tells LGM's members, "Do everything right and have nothing left!"