The talented members of the MHS Marching Band embarked on an exceptional journey under the theme "Into the Night." Led by their dedicated directors, Mr. Eric Rothacker, MHS band teacher, and Ms. Kasey Graff, color guard coach, the band created a performance that captivated audiences at home football games and impressed judges at competitions.
Every year, the MHS Marching Band takes on a new theme to challenge their creativity, marching skills, and music making, and this year's theme, "Into the Night," successfully displayed their talents. The music featured excerpts from Moonlight Sonata by Ludwig Van Beethoven, Also Sprach Zarathustra by Richard Straus, the Enemy God and Dance of the Spirits of Darkness by Prokofiev Lullabye by Billy Joel, and Wild Nights from Harmonium by John Adams. And they did so while demonstrating talent and teamwork. The Color Guard supported the theme and performed with a 5-foot paper moon, flag work, props, and dance.
The band's journey "Into the Night" began with practices beginning in July for the Color Guard and mid-August for the band, in the blazing sun, light rain, and under the cover of the stars. Additionally, after school started, students practiced during ASR and evening rehearsals. Mr. Rothacker's and Ms. Graff's commitment to excellence and having fun made the significant time commitment very rewarding for students! The students' determination to deliver a strong performance was evident, and their teamwork and dedication did not go unnoticed.
“I could not ask for a better group of students. The dedication and artistry shown by our students is inspiring, and it is an absolute pleasure to have the opportunity to work with such a talented group of students. I am especially impressed with the student leadership team this year, their drive to serve has been invaluable to their success.” - Mr. Eric Rothacker
Some of the most exciting moments for the MHS Marching Band was when they performed during the five home football games. Exciting "pep" pieces during the games added excitement and ignited the crowd's spirit, showcasing the marching band's important role at athletic events. When they took to the field for the halftime shows, it was a testament to their talent and practice, awing everyone in the stands. The music continued into the "5th Quarter," when the band provided additional entertainment with their competitive field show.
The band showcased their talent with an outstanding performance at the Marchfest Invitational in Waukesha, Wisconsin, on September 23, securing a third-place win in the AAAA division. The commitment to excellence extended to the color guard with a first-place win. The success continued at the Sauk Prairie Marching Band Invite on October 8 when the marching band received first place in the AAAA division and caption awards for Best Visual, Best Musical Performance, Best Percussion, and Best Color Guard.
However, the season's highlight was the WSMA Marching Band Championship, the last of three marching band competitions. The annual WSMA competition at UW Whitewater on Saturday, October 14. was fierce, with bands from all over Wisconsin showcasing their music, marching, and color guard skills. The Marching Band earned a well-deserved 4th place. The Color Guard took a first-place win, proving they were shining stars on the field. Their synchronized routines, eye-catching costumes, and flawless execution were remarkable.
“The opportunity to participate in this ensemble has catalyzed my growth as a leader and musician. As a senior, I now have the privilege of watching younger students connect, collaborate, and develop new skills. Our members demonstrate a powerful work ethic through the hours they spend working towards common goals.” - Charlotte K.
The MHS Marching Band lit up the marching season, representing the band, school, and district like true stars!