by Samantha Thomas, staff writer
The Saegertown Marching Band heads for the LMBA (Lakeshore Marching Band Association) championships this weekend. Drum Major Sam Shelenberger and section leader, Morgan Murphy, both juniors, have led the band through another successful season, along with directors Jason Papinchak and Jared Schaffer.
There is one tuba player, one flutist, four percussionists, six color guard, one trumpet, one flugelhorn, two clarinets, two saxophones, and one manager. Even with a small group, the marching band makes big sounds, which plays into this year’s competition theme: “More or Less.” Jason Papinchak, who writes the music the band performs said, “We are showing that more isn’t always more, and less isn’t always less.”
As many know, the marching band has been affected by a lack of members in recent years. “We need more dedicated, mature people,” Murphy said. “When I saw the band was in desperate need of players, I joined.” Despite these setbacks, longtime band member Sam Shelenburger is committed to keeping a positive and enthusiastic attitude. “Nothing about band is the best part,” Shelenberger said. “Band is the best part of band.”
The band has competed at General McLane for exposition, earned third place at McDowell, second place at North East, and performed at Harbor Creek on Oct. 20, where a panel of judges offered tips. They will take the field at the LMBA championships at 4:15 p.m. on Oct. 27 at Erie Veterans Memorial Stadium.