The Eastern Marching Vikings season was full of colors as the marching band took on the theme of kaleidoscope. It was based on “Pure Imagination” from Willy Wonka where three colors were introduced throughout the show with three different gray backdrops becoming full of color by the end.

  With five different sections including color guard, battery, pit, winds, and brass, the marching band totaled 77 members this season. They won states and continued to Atlantic Coast Championships where they won second out of 19 bands competing from 9 states. This included individual awards of high auxiliary and best drum major. 

  Best drum major was awarded to Junior Arianna Reischer during Atlantic Coast Championships. This title is judged separately from that of the overall band’s score. This factor means that Reischer will be the conductor during the 6ABC Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia and conducting the Tournament of Bands All Star Marching Band.

  Success didn’t come easy to the band this year as they lost many seniors, and the underclassmen had a lot to learn. Their record fluctuated throughout the season from fifth to tenth to finally finishing second overall. “This year, the time and dedication that individuals put in practicing and improving their performances was the driving force that made this season successful,” said Reischer when reflecting on this season.

  Reischer’s role of drum major is of extreme importance, drum major conducts the band, makes sure they’re constantly together, and is the face of the team. Standing on the podium has more to it than on the surface. “The real role of drum major goes much farther than keeping time,” said Reischer, “it’s about leadership, responsibility, and above all, making sure everyone feels accepted and important to this activity.”

  High auxiliary, which in layman’s term is best color guard, was awarded to the marching band for this season. The color guard consists of one senior, six juniors, one sophomore and four freshmen for a total of twelve members. 

  Junior Lydia Tate is color guard captain and has been with the marching band for three years, participating on flag line and weapon line which includes rifle and sabre. As guard captain, Tate is there to help and is the link between the band and guard. She works with whoever needs it and goes out for retreat when awards are announced. 

  “When I first joined, I wasn’t on any teams in middle school or anything,” said Tate when describing her time with the guard, “it gave me an overwhelming sense of community and friendship that I loved and this season especially has been so rewarding.” 

  Other components of the band comprised of the percussion and pit, whose sergents include Kayla Yap and Regina Kollender, both seniors. 

  Kollender plays marimba and has been with the band for four years. “We started off really rocky.” said Kollender, “This whole show was dedicated to Alejandro Mejia who passed away from cancer and me and a bunch of seniors who knew him wanted to honor him. He was a model student and he gave 110% and we needed to honor him. We have done fairly well especially since my freshman year so I wanted that to continue after I leave and so do other seniors as well. We want to leave a legacy of not only us, but Alejandro.”

  Kayla Yap has also been with the band for four years and has been on keyboard for her time in the band. “Winning states was huge this year because everyone thought we were going to get second,” said Yap when explaining the success of the band. “I think it’s the attitude that everyone had. Everyone was so worried because we lost so many seniors last year but because everyone was striving for the same goal, there was a bigger motivation.”

  Mr. Stanz has been advisor of the Eastern Marching Band for 13 years. The freshman and rookie class was one of the largest Stanz has seen, but with dedication came success for the band. “It comes down to the kids buying into the program and going out, performing and being consistent in performance each week,” said Stanz, “much like a team who has consistency in each play, we have to have consistent performances.”

  “I am so lucky to be able to conduct an ensemble like Eastern,” said Reischer, “This program is so special, and with the incredible drive from these freshmen and underclassmen, I’m confident that we’re in excellent hands for the next few years.”

  High auxiliary, which in layman’s term is best color guard, was awarded to the marching band for this season. The color guard consists of one senior, six juniors, one sophomore and four freshmen for a total of twelve members. 

  Junior Lydia Tate is color guard captain and has been with the marching band for three years, participating on flag line and weapon line which includes rifle and sabre. As guard captain, Tate is there to help and is the link between the band and guard. She works with whoever needs it and goes out for retreat when awards are announced. 

  “When I first joined, I wasn’t on any teams in middle school or anything,” said Tate when describing her time with the guard, “it gave me an overwhelming sense of community and friendship that I loved and this season especially has been so rewarding.” 

  Other components of the band comprised of the percussion and pit, whose sergents include Kayla Yap and Regina Kollender, both seniors. 

  Kollender plays marimba and has been with the band for four years. “We started off really rocky.” said Kollender, “This whole show was dedicated to Alejandro Mejia who passed away from cancer and me and a bunch of seniors who knew him wanted to honor him. He was a model student and he gave 110% and we needed to honor him. We have done fairly well especially since my freshman year so I wanted that to continue after I leave and so do other seniors as well. We want to leave a legacy of not only us, but Alejandro.”

  Kayla Yap has also been with the band for four years and has been on keyboard for her time in the band. “Winning states was huge this year because everyone thought we were going to get second,” said Yap when explaining the success of the band. “I think it’s the attitude that everyone had. Everyone was so worried because we lost so many seniors last year but because everyone was striving for the same goal, there was a bigger motivation.”

  Mr. Stanz has been advisor of the Eastern Marching Band for 13 years. The freshman and rookie class was one of the largest Stanz has seen, but with dedication came success for the band. “It comes down to the kids buying into the program and going out, performing and being consistent in performance each week,” said Stanz, “much like a team who has consistency in each play, we have to have consistent performances.”

  “I am so lucky to be able to conduct an ensemble like Eastern,” said Reischer, “This program is so special, and with the incredible drive from these freshmen and underclassmen, I’m confident that we’re in excellent hands for the next few years.”