Why You Should Join Marching Band

Written By: Dylan Gonzalez Ramirez (‘28), Nick Johns (‘28), Emily Hullfish (‘28)

The LHS Red Scare 2025-2026 at their last competition!

Our marching band consists of five sections: woodwinds, brass, percussion, pit, and color guard. Each of these different sections work together to create a show combining music, choreography, and style. Aside from playing instruments and learning music, a marching band must also learn proper techniques and memorize precise positions on the football field to create a quality show. This takes a sometimes tiring amount of dedication and effort, but our skilled leaders and experienced members are always willing to help lead and support the band. 

The Lawrence High School Marching band is a discipline and focus-heavy environment. However, it can also be a rewarding way to have fun with some friends and meet new people. Marching band is a very welcoming space to new members, regardless of musical experience. Even if you haven’t been involved with music for a long time, it’s never too late to start, and there are many friendly people willing to help out. One of the best traits of a marching band is the fact that everyone has a place. Whether you join the color guard, play an instrument, or join the pit, all of them are necessary and everyone contributes to making our show as good as it can be.

Next year, our show will be titled Oz Through the Ages and feature music from The Wizard of Oz, Wicked, and The Wiz. This show will be performed at all varsity football games, as well as in numerous competitions during the fall, and we would love for you to join us! We rehearse after school three days a week, getting Wednesday afternoons free, with football games on Fridays, and competitions most Saturdays. The time spent is well worth it since the band is also a tight community of people who lift each other up through everything on and off the field, and the relationships you form will last you a long time. 

Finally, congratulations to the new marching band captains for the 2026-2027 school year! Shoutout and congratulations to Benjamin Liu (‘28) as woodwind captain, Caleb Gonzalez-Recinos (‘27) as brass captain, Jakub Momot (‘27) as marching/maneuvering captain, Aimee Clarke (‘27) as rifle captain, Bella Fiore (‘28) and Anulika Dellophine (‘28) as color guard captains, and as drum major…Ireh Park (‘27)! Thank you to everyone who auditioned, and best of luck next season!

“Some of my greatest memories in high school were made in marching band. Where I enjoyed every moment, from the trill of competing and performing to the countless memories I made with everyone I met along the way. I don’t regret joining one bit!”

Jariana Lucero Lopez (‘27)