Marching to Success

The AHS Marching Band performs before kickoff at an Anderson football home game. /  Natalie Feldkamp| PHOTO EDITOR

By Karly Otto | Staff Writer

December 4, 2024

The Forest Hills Marching Band began its season this fall and has successfully made appearances at Friday night games for Raptor Football. Their main performance for the 2024 season was Alice in Wonderland; their performance was seen by competitors, judges, and spectators alike as brilliant.

A key ingredient of their formula for success is the work behind the scenes by the AHS marching band director Matt Gaal. He has brought band students together since they were in elementary school, ultimately setting Anderson’s band program apart from the rest, from the very start.

Students can start in band as early as fifth grade and later perform with students from other schools. This setup allows students across the district to come together in middle school and start to build relationships that will be strengthened throughout the next six years.

Additionally, Gaal brings other instrument-specific professionals in to help his students. 

When asked what makes the band so educational to its members, Taryn Osborne (10) explained how important it is to the program when these professionals come into school and share their experiences.

“[The most educational part is] definitely the people who come and help us even though they don’t get paid,” Osborne said. 

The Forest Hills Marching Band competes in several circuits during the fall, often drawing attention and the highest awards. They have been most notably recognized by the Ohio Music Educators Association, the Mid-States Band Association, and Bands of America, which was a national honor. 

The marching band students also have many opportunities for trips. This February the 2024-2025 Marching Band has the chance to attend the California Performance Trip. 

“When they advertised at lunch at Nagel that they were going to Disney, I thought it would be a fun experience,” Lylah Boltz (11) said. 

Boltz explained that the band advertisement was what drew her to join. 

Students have explained that joining the band has not only brought them closer to other band members but also helped them step out of their comfort zones and really develop themselves as individuals. 

“I’ve definitely become a more social and friendly person,” Jenna Williams (11) said.

Continue to support this group as they lead the AHS Football Team to a state championship this year and march their way to the west coast early next year.