The Wheeler High School Marching Band, under the direction of Jason Frey and Mia Jordan, continues to stand out as one of the most spirited and dynamic organizations during the fall season. Open to all students, the program offers a variety of roles, from instrumentalists and color guard members to leadership positions like drum majors and section leaders, welcoming anyone with dedication and enthusiasm.
Marching band season traditionally begins in the summer with a two-week pre-camp. This time is dedicated not only to learning marching fundamentals but also to building bonds that create a tight-knit band family. Throughout the fall, band members perform at football games, pep rallies, and, most importantly, competitions, where their musical and visual performances are judged at a high level. Competitions remain the heart of the marching band experience, and success requires months of preparation, beginning as early as late July with rigorous training, drills, and sectional rehearsals. In recent years, the marching band has brought to life shows such as Queen, Phases, The Academy of Magic, and The Zone. Now, with the next season on the horizon, Mr. Frey and the band directors have announced the start of the spring season’s New Marchers Camp, beginning in March.
Just as other school sports, like football, have spring training, and that many competitive band programs begin training earlier, the new marchers camp is an opportunity to give Wheeler a head start. The goal is to introduce incoming freshmen to the program, teach them basic marching techniques, and allow them to meet current band members before summer pre-camp begins. “[Marching band] helped me be more social, connect with people I never thought I would be friends with,” states Josh (10).
The camp isn’t just about training new members, it also serves as a time for the directors to observe potential leadership candidates among returning students. At the leadership meeting, held on March 19th, the band discussed the traits that define a strong leader: integrity, passion, flexibility, drive, and the ability to balance friendship with responsibility. When asked about advice for the upcoming leadership team, Ms. Jordan suggested, “don’t be afraid to ask for help and delegate.”
As the band prepares for its upcoming season, there’s excitement across the different sections. While the band has fluctuated in size over the years, recent seasons have seen smaller numbers, especially in the guard section The new marchers camp is expected to help boost recruitment and strengthen these areas. Aisha (10) is really looking forward to meeting the upcoming rookies. She believes that the best thing for them to do is to put themselves out there, as “marching band is so worth it when you have friends to have fun with,” she states.
Though many associate marching bands with halftime shows at football games, the marching band is much more, especially when it comes to their innovative performances and high-level competitions. With next year’s show already in development, members are buzzing with speculation about what it will be. Some believe that the show will be movie themed while others believe it will be fast paced and wild. When asked for an insider-tip, all Ms. Jordan had to say, was, “no comment.”
With the launch of the new marchers camp, the band season is starting off to a great start, bringing fresh energy, new faces, and high hopes for the fall! With hard work, strong leadership, and continued passion, the band is set for another season of growth, competition, and unforgettable memories.
