Marching band started the season with their first competition on Sept. 9. They placed 9th overall and 5th in their division. This was the first time they performed their newest show, “Jump,” in competition.

“The crowd loved us,” senior Amanda Denno said. “We still have things to improve on though.”

The show takes marching band in a completely different direction from shows in the past. For example, last year’s show had more of a classical style of music with songs by Gershwin. This year’s show is styled with ‘80s and ‘90s themes and music. Instead of wearing traditional uniforms, students wear ‘90s-styled track suits. Even the design of the guard flags is a reference to the ‘90s. According to Director Rob Stegeman, the overall goal of theming the show like this was to allow the band to connect with the audience more.

“It is about having fun and being able to show you are enjoying yourself,” Stegeman said. “I really wanted something people and kids in the stands can relate to and be able to hear stuff they recognize and see that we are having fun.”

One big change in this year’s show compared to last year’s is the use of trampolines. Students interact with the trampolines at all times, whether by jumping on them or by moving them. Not only do the students have to know their positions on the field, they also have to know where the trampolines are supposed to be, and they must be precise. There are 20 mini trampolines and one large, 15-foot trampoline. According to Stegeman, the biggest challenge they face with the use of trampolines is transportation. The big trampoline has to be disassembled to be taken to competitions and reassembled when they get there.

“I jump on the trampolines and it is super fun,” Denno said. “It is tiring, but still fun. I think the hardest part is lifting them up. They’re small but still kind of heavy.”

The entire composition of the show is also different this year. Instead of the whole band marching and playing the entire time, there are different soloists, and ensembles also come out and play. There are five soloists in the show: seniors Ian Perry, Dominic Schneider, Emily Hardin, Carolynn Gonzalez and Emily Helmick. In total, the show is approximately 40 percent marching and 60 percent moving.

“There’s always something different to listen to and watch every time you watch the show,” Stegeman said.  “You’ll hear a soloist, then jazz band will play, then another small ensemble will come out and you’ll have a big band moment. It all kind of interplays as opposed to being kind of boring with just playing and marching all of the time.”