The DHS marching band slithers back with sixth at state

The feeling of being surrounded by a family full of hard work and effort that is created under the hot sun or football field lights is surreal and alluring. It can be something that makes one work hard or something that pushes one to grow as a person. Pushing oneself to do what they do every single day shows them and the world that they can do anything appointed to them.

With a starting tempo of 92 and an ending tempo of 172, the Delta High School marching band show of 2025 is titled Medusa, with a saxophone solo and a high-pitched scream. Characters like Medusa, young Medusa, Perseus, Athena, an army for Medusa and an army for Perseus are used for this miraculous show.

Drum Major Abigail Bloom, Band Director Stuart Johnson, Assistant Band Director and Percussion Instructor Andrew Bruington, Color Guard Director Melissa McCormick all work hard to help the band succeed.

Seventy students have worked tirelessly to put on a good show for the public and judges to view. Practice consisted of two days of percussion camp, one day of leadership training, a four-day band camp, 11 Monday night rehearsals, four Saturday practices, two over-break practices, and four extended class rehearsals. Playing at three home football games, three competitions, and one community performance, everything the band does is a thrill.

The DHS band has put in 121-139 hours this year for the 2025 show, not including class time used as well. The hours put in make a huge difference.

Seventy kids in band means seventy different experiences and seventy different lives. Band is different in everybody’s eyes. “Band is getting to know each other, having fun learning new things, and putting together a show by working together and believing in one another. It is my safe place, something I enjoy doing, and meeting new people. Band is where I met my best friend,” said sophomore flutist Faith Brunner.

“Band is a place I go with my friends where we share the same interests and passion while putting in hours of work and practice. Without it, I wouldn’t have these close friends and connections I made from band,” said freshman trombone Arryah Lindley.

“It’s peace of mind, taking you away from a reality that can be overbearing to say the least. It’s the pride in knowing that you were able to accomplish something so much bigger than yourself. Being able to do something that I love while being greatly rewarded in the process means so much more than others could imagine. Band is a part of my soul.’’ said senior colorguard Erin Kelly-Avila.

¨Band helps many students feel wanted and part of something important, and that they are important because they are a part of the group. Band forces students to figure out how to work with others. The group can’t progress without the students working together toward a goal. Seniors leaving is always hard. But I remind myself that they are going on to other things, and another group steps into their place each year. I love making music, but my favorite thing is being part of a group that figures out how to make music together and to see the faces when the performance really works,¨ said Band Director Stuart Johnson.

The DHS marching band slithers back with sixth at state

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