Marching bands numbers are surprisingly low this year, going from last years 98 members to this years 87 members performing “Relationships 101”. As a result, the band directors are frustrated and are trying to dig for reasons why not as many kids came out this year.

“I just feel that parents aren’t pushing their students to be involved in extracurricular activities,”
Assistant band director Paul Ahlemeyer said.

The section that has been hit the hardest is the clarinets which only has five members this year. Some students just think music isn’t being promoted as much. Others blame the middle school band teachers for not pushing students to continue with band in high school. Despite these setbacks, the freshman that did join marching band this year have been getting a lot of training from the upperclassmen which has been noticed in their performances.

“They’ve [the freshmen] really put their hearts into it,” soloist Michael Opich said.

The loss of the seniors has hardly affected marching band on a musical level according to some. The entire band supports one another
and they are able to cope even without the graduates. However, the students do feel sad about the
seniors being gone.

“The seniors were a big part of the band,” drum major Jordan Schupp said. “Losing them is sad because they were always there for you.”

The Marching band will only be going on one out of state trip this year, compared to three trips last year, due to a lack of funds. Students are disappointed, but they understand the situation.

“As far as numbers go, I know its frustrating but we have a stronger
core of people that want to be here to make up a great marching band,” Ahlemeyer said.