In a season different from last year, members of this year’s marching band are adjusting to having a greater number of participants than in previous years. Led by a new band director, Dr. Nick DiSalvio, the band has 24 new members in total, consisting of mostly freshmen and middle school members.

Junior trombone player, Warren Berenbrok, is optimistic about the season, despite its differences from past years.

“The main difference is that we have so many new members, and I think part of that is because we got a new band director, Dr. DiSalvio,” Berenbrok said. “New members means we are moving a little bit slower than last year, but I think we’re still going to have a great season.”

The band has competed three times this season. They are excited to see what the season may bring and how they can continue to improve with the remaining three competitions.

Besides expanding the band, new band director Dr. DiSalvio said another one of his goals for his first season at CHS is to acclimate the new members.

“I think the biggest goal is one, grow the program, which we have already done and will continue to do, and two, to just take the new students that we have, teach them, and use them as the base of what we’re going to go on and do in the future,” DiSalvio said. 

This year’s theme is titled “Neon Lights: The Sights and Sounds of Las Vegas” and includes songs, such as “Luck be a Lady” by Frank Sinatra, “Feeling Good” by Michael Buble, and “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga.

The band is working hard to overcome some of the challenges that come from having more than half its members being brand new. They are focusing on working together to help new members learn while simultaneously preparing for performances.

“We are working on technique, marching and things like that. Getting stuff on the field. Really, teaching the new people the basics,” senior drum major Rachel Mattson said. 

Although the team is changing and growing, it still feels like a big community according to its members.

“Marching band is like one big friend group, there are no cliques or anything,” Berenbrok said.

The team is set to compete at states Nov. 5 in Washington Township, NJ, and have championships  in Hershey PA, at the Hershey Stadium Nov. 13.