When the football team runs onto the field, what do they run to? When the cheerleaders cheer, what do they cheer to? Who is behind the music you hear at every game, and why are they important?

As the IHS Football Team returns, so does the Marching Band. The band is back with their 2022 field show, “Forged,” with “Sledgehammer” by Peter Gabriel, “Fire” by Jimi Hendrix, and “Enter Sandman” by Metallica as their main pieces and brand-new stand tunes in their back pockets. They have many new members this year and a busy season ahead of them, but they are more than ready to take the field and show what they can do.

The 2022 season is the first season in which the band is almost fully back from the catastrophe of the pandemic, which means that the wave of new members is extra-special this year. Senior Maura Knepper says, “I’ve certainly seen a higher level of support between members this year than I have in past years.”

So far, veteran members and staff have been working very hard to make sure everyone feels comfortable and wants to return next year.  They do this by giving side lessons or offering high fives between sets. This is junior Isabel DeRosa’s first year, and she expressed, “A lot of veterans have taken the time to help me with my marching and learning my music.” This is the perfect example that upperclassmen members want to set; the reason they want to give for people to return. 

Marching Band is a place where people can go to learn and grow, both in their musicianship and in social aspects. Though, the guidance and support from veteran members doesn’t take away from how difficult the elements of the marching band are. “The most difficult part [of marching band] so far has been staying in step…” says 8th grader Lauren Watkins, “[but] I definitely have been improving as a musician and my social skills are definitely better than they were before I joined.” 

Despite the hardships, the band contributes to the community by helping individuals grow. The band offers the young people of this community a place to better themselves, make friends, and be a part of a team. “I love seeing members check in on each other and making sure no one is alone,” stated Knepper. She described it perfectly as “a unique opportunity to care for others.” 

Football games aren’t the only activities the band prepares for during the season. There is also the annual Indiana Bandfest. Bandfest is a great opportunity for the music department to showcase what they’ve been working on. Director Mr. Olear expressed that “It shines a spotlight on our music programs and allows students to make connections.” 

If you can, venture out and support the IHS Marching Band. It’s an amazing opportunity for the community to give back to one of its most important components.