By Amanda Crowl, Features Editor

With new members, new uniforms, and a new theme, the marching band is confident they will see success on the field. The theme of this year’s show is “The Madness of Art” which features three artists who suffered from madness: Vincent Van Gogh, Edvard Munch, and Salvador Dali. This exploration of insanity is set to the eerie music of “The Picture of Dorian Grey.” 

Under the direction of Jason Papinchak and with drum major Sam Shelenberger conducting, eight instrumentalists and four percussionists produce the sinister tones, with various voice parts interjecting throughout the show. The instrumentalists and the six color guard members, with the aid of various props around the field, create intricate visuals that fit perfectly to the music being played.

“The season has been the best we’ve had in years,” Shelenberger said. “The show has a great design, and the band members have been giving it their all.”

The band competes through LMBA (Lakeshore Marching Band Association) and has participated in three shows: General McLane (exhibition), McDowell (66.5), and Girard (69.35). They received third place at Girard, and third place and High Visual award at McDowell. The next performance will be Saturday at 7:15 p.m. at Meadville High School.