This marching band theme is marching to the beat of Piano Man. This year’s Homecoming halftime show features songs from the hit Broadway scores of Billy Joel and Elton John. According to Director of Bands Christopher Takis, the theme was suggested by seniors.“Every time I pick a marching band halftime show theme, it’s got to be something fun that people recognize; that they enjoy listening to,” Takis said. “(The seniors) seemed really, really gung-ho about doing a Billy Joel and Elton John theme.”
Past themes include “divas, starlets and queens,” boy bands and royalty. Each celebrates a collection of sensational artists that have influenced their respective genres and left marks on American culture.“I looked to see if there was music for (each halftime show), and there were some arrangements that were pretty good,” Takis said. “So that’s what we ended up going with.”
Clarinet player Norah Bonskey ’26 said she is looking forward to playing in the halftime show. She said she finds this year’s theme more interesting than last year’s.“(Last year’s theme) was cool, but some of the songs were kind of boring,” Bonskey said. “My parents raised me on music from when they were my age, so the (current theme) is kind of nostalgic.”
While she is slightly nervous, she knows her prior year of experience will get her through the upcoming shows.“(I will) stay calm and everything should be fine,” Bonskey said. “I’ve been enjoying it so far.”
Meanwhile, the marching band’s auxiliary is busy practicing dance moves. Color guard captain Ivy Prestin ’26 is nervously anticipating their performance.“We just learned Your Song and The End of Pressure, so it’s very new,” Prestin said.
The color guard will perform tricks with swing flags, regular flags and fake rifles. Prestin said she likes how the choreography has come together so far, but wishes the costumes looked more like traditional dance uniforms.“We’re doing it differently next year,” Prestin said. “We’re the marching band’s visual element, so we’re meant to compliment the show.”
