During a fall band concert several years ago, John Lundberg, Div. 853, heard the sweet sound of jazz music ringing through his ears. Intrigued by the melody, he turned to the back aisles and was astonished by Lane’s marching band lining up towards the middle section.

It was something he had never seen before, and it inspired him to sign up for the class.

There are approximately 90 students enrolled in the marching band class this school year, according to band teacher Mr. Flygt. The class offers a variety of interests in addition to playing a band instrument, such as Majorettes and Flag Corps.

A large portion of the class involves preparing for concerts, both inside and outside of Lane. According to Mr. Flygt, marching band has already performed at 10-12 events, some of which include Pep Rally, Halloween Hauncert, and several sports games.

Preparing for events can get hectic at times, according to Flygt.

“I try to be a little more relaxed with it [the class] because if not, I’m losing my mind with 90 people. You can’t get too angry,” Flygt said.

The next main event for Lane’s marching band is the Dec. 23 Holiday Assembly. This will be the marching band’s first time performing at the assembly. The marching band will perform a total of two songs, according to Flygt.

In terms of the future for marching band, Flygt said he is optimistic that the program will only improve and grow. According to Flygt, 56 of the 90 students enrolled in the class are marching band members. The rest of the students are either Flag Corps members or majorettes.

“We could easily double the band and it would be amazing,” Flygt said.

Overall, marching band provides an outlet for students to enjoy themselves and explore their passion for music. According to Lundberg, not only did it teach him how to play the snare drum, but the class has taught him how to work as a team. He has taken marching band for two years as it has made him realize that it is important to “just to stick with what you love.”

Marching band has also taught students to manage their time effectively, according to Jean Carlos, Div. 876. She decided to enroll in marching band for a second year, after making the Flag Corps team. Flag Corps gave her the opportunity to build strong relationships with fellow members, she said.

Carlos said that her most memorable experience is performing at the pep rally for Homecoming.

“It’s dark and the lights are on you,” Carlos said. “It’s a now or never kind of feeling.”

The program also shapes students to be responsible and learn how to manage a team, according to Vanessa Romero,  Div. 761. As one of the flag captains, Romero is in charge of organizing the routines, placing uniform orders, and attending all the sports games.

“It [marching band] has taught me how to be more social,” Romero said. “It has taught me how to work in a team, how to manage a team, and made me realize that I wouldn’t be the person I am without it, because I have been a part of it for so many years.”

With all the preparation for main events, the most important thing is to have fun, according to Flygt.

“I try to do whatever I can to make it happen. I try to make it exciting because I think that if it’s exciting, people will want to do it,” Flygt said.

At the end of the day, making music and performing as a group brings people together, Flygt said. “It brings a communal aspect to life. When you work on something for a while and you prepare something and then you showcase it, that feeling of preparation and accomplishment makes it all worth it.”