Writer & Interviewer: Hana Soltani & Aly Ghenciu

After months of long practice hours, fine-tuning skills at home, and bonding through dinners after rehearsals, River Falls High School Marching Band secured its 27th State Championships in November, 2025. The team not only became the overall Champion, but also won every supplementary award including Best Color Guard, Best Percussion, Best Visual Presentation, and Best Musical Presentation Awards.

The River Falls Marching Band is a remarkable blend of athletic rigor and artistic passion. Students push their bodies and minds through structured rehearsals led through compassionate teamwork and a shared commitment to excellence, while also learning to listen closely to every note, watch every beat and footstep, and tell a story through an 8-minute show. Behind the disciplined band are countless hours of practice and a community that supports students every step of the way.

The marching band directors, Mr. Jaeckel and Mr. Dreifort, break down how marching band compares to sports, the teamwork that drives the show, and the behind-the-scene hardwork:

1.  Many people debate whether marching band should be considered a sport. What is your perspective on this?  What aspects of marching band do you think make it similar or different from traditional sports?

Mr. Jaeckel:

This is a hard one to answer.  While marching band (in the sense that we do it) does fit the definition of a sport (involves physical exertion and skill in which a team competes against another team or others for entertainment) It isn't the same as other sports.  Is marching band athletic? yes.  Does it require stamina? yes.  Do you sweat a lot? yes.  Can you gain muscle and endurance? yes.  Does it require skill? yes, a lot actually.  It also requires coordination, teamwork, and a lot more.  But, it isn't the same as other more 'typical' sport. 

Mr. Driefort:

Sports are usually distinguished as being active competition, whether that be between two teams or two individuals. I think marching band falls more into the same category as dance does: visual art, but physically intense. It takes a lot of strength and endurance to be able to march a show, so it definitely has the physical demands that a lot of other sports do.

There is a sense of community and camaraderie. Everyone in the group strives to get better every single time they perform, and you pick each other up, much like teammates would. The biggest difference is that everyone is playing at all times. There's no "bench". If you miss a rehearsal or miss a performance, that is reflected in a spot missing in the forms. Everyone matters at all times, and no one else can fill your role!

2. If marching band were officially recognized as a sport, what would that change? Would it change anything at all?

Mr. Jaeckel:

I don't think it would change much.  Marching band has evolved a great deal from the beginning till now.  The things we are asking our students to do are far more demanding and physical than a band in the 70's or 80's.   It will continue to develop and change well into the future.  Marching band will always be a performing art form first and foremost. 

Mr. Driefort:

I don't think much would change. There might be more attention towards marching bands, but the professional Drum Corps and even a lot of high school events (like BOA) are broadcast and have plenty of people tune in to watch.

3. How do the mental and physical demands of marching band compare to athletics?

Mr. Jaeckel:

I think there are a lot of similarities. Marching band requires endurance, stamina, mental focus, and fundamentals much the same as athletics.   

Mr. Driefort:

Everyone's physical demand on the field is different. Holding a quad drum and marching an 8 minute show really takes a lot of strength and endurance to be able to push through. There aren't any timeouts or chances to catch your breath. Wind players, like the tubas, need to carry around massive instruments, march drill, and remember music. It takes a different type of physical and mental demand.

4. A sense of community is crucial in marching band. Can you describe a moment this season when the band really came together as a team?

Mr. Jaeckel:

I think every year after our first competition, we always become more of a team.  Marching Band isn't something that our musicians grow up doing.  They don't start it in 1st or 2nd grade like youth basketball - so it's a very new experience for some of our students.  After our first competition, they start to realize what it's all about.  What their hard work means.  There is always a lot of support when our older students remember what it was like when they first marched.  

Mr. Driefort:

It was fun for me to see how sections welcomed in new members during band camp over the summer, and especially as they were having section hang outs you could see the camaraderie building. After our second competition of the season, we found our groove and it really helped with our productivity and spirit in rehearsal.

5. What misconceptions do people have about marching band that you’d like to clear up?

Mr. Jaeckel:

I think the biggest thing is I just want people to respect everyone for their own interests.  We don't all have to be marching band kids, just like we don't all have to be football players.  The world would be a pretty boring place.  You also don't have to enjoy what everyone does...just respect it and understand that everyone is working hard to be as good as they can be at their chosen craft.  

Mr. Driefort:

Marching band isn't for everyone. For those involved, whether its their passion, extra-curricular activity, or first family at the high school, they enjoy doing it. Everyone has things that they are passionate about, and it benefits everyone when you see the beauty in that kind of commitment. 

6. What is your philosophy when it comes to leadership and teamwork in marching band?

Mr. Jaeckel:

Leadership starts with building relationships and taking care of their own business first.  You need to have your own house in order before you can start to worry about everyone else.  Lead by example.  Some of the best leaders we have had, have been silent leaders.  You also need to make sure that others know that you truly care about them.  It's much easier to get others to buy in when they know you actually care about them. 

In terms of teamwork, everyone is a starter.  Everyone is important.  Everyone needs to make sure that the others around them are up to par.  Teamwork comes from the students' ownership of the program.  Everyone wants each other to be the very best version of themself that they can be.  

Mr. Driefort:

The best leaders lead by example. You don't need to be a 4 year member to show up on time, encourage others, and struggle to then put in the work needed to be successful. Having strong leaders in the band helps to shape the culture, and it's the overall experience that every member has that keeps them wanting to come back every year. 

7. How do you help students handle the pressure of competition while still enjoying what they

do?

Mr. Jaeckel:

We don't stress competition. Obviously, it's a big part of what we do, and we can't avoid it.  However, we talk  a lot about making sure that we are always improving.  Every rep, segment, and performance needs to be better than the last time you did it.  If you do that, then you're being successful..and when it really comes down to things, you'll be successful competitively as well.  

We also talk about time and place.  Have fun on our breaks, the bus rides, the section get-togethers, but when it's time to work, we need to get stuff done.  Our time together in rehearsal is finite.  

Mr. Driefort:

Students are encouraged to work hard and push to perform better every time they walk on the field, but the emphasis is never on beating competition. We are competing with ourselves, and I think having that mindset makes it so that students are self-reflective and committed to improving themselves, instead of what others are doing. When it comes time to competition, the students cheer on other schools. It is a joy to watch. 

8. If you had to describe this year’s show in one word or phrase, what would it be?

Mr. Jaeckel:

FIRE!

Mr. Driefort:

Lit!

The River Falls Marching Band Interview

After months of long practice hours, fine-tuning skills at home, and bonding through dinners after rehearsals, River Falls High School Marching Band secured its 27th State Championships in November, 2025. The team not only became the overall Champion, but also won every supplementary award including Best Color Guard, Best Percussion, Best Visual Presentation, and Best Musical Presentation Awards.

The River Falls Marching Band is a remarkable blend of athletic rigor and artistic passion. Students push their bodies and minds through structured rehearsals led through compassionate teamwork and a shared commitment to excellence, while also learning to listen closely to every note, watch every beat and footstep, and tell a story through an 8-minute show. Behind the disciplined band are countless hours of practice and a community that supports students every step of the way.

The marching band directors, Mr. Jaeckel and Mr. Dreifort, break down how marching band compares to sports, the teamwork that drives the show, and the behind-the-scene hardwork:

1.  Many people debate whether marching band should be considered a sport. What is your perspective on this?  What aspects of marching band do you think make it similar or different from traditional sports?

Mr. Jaeckel:

This is a hard one to answer.  While marching band (in the sense that we do it) does fit the definition of a sport (involves physical exertion and skill in which a team competes against another team or others for entertainment) It isn't the same as other sports.  Is marching band athletic? yes.  Does it require stamina? yes.  Do you sweat a lot? yes.  Can you gain muscle and endurance? yes.  Does it require skill? yes, a lot actually.  It also requires coordination, teamwork, and a lot more.  But, it isn't the same as other more 'typical' sport. 

Mr. Driefort:

Sports are usually distinguished as being active competition, whether that be between two teams or two individuals. I think marching band falls more into the same category as dance does: visual art, but physically intense. It takes a lot of strength and endurance to be able to march a show, so it definitely has the physical demands that a lot of other sports do.

There is a sense of community and camaraderie. Everyone in the group strives to get better every single time they perform, and you pick each other up, much like teammates would. The biggest difference is that everyone is playing at all times. There's no "bench". If you miss a rehearsal or miss a performance, that is reflected in a spot missing in the forms. Everyone matters at all times, and no one else can fill your role!

2. If marching band were officially recognized as a sport, what would that change? Would it change anything at all?

Mr. Jaeckel:

I don't think it would change much.  Marching band has evolved a great deal from the beginning till now.  The things we are asking our students to do are far more demanding and physical than a band in the 70's or 80's.   It will continue to develop and change well into the future.  Marching band will always be a performing art form first and foremost. 

Mr. Driefort:

I don't think much would change. There might be more attention towards marching bands, but the professional Drum Corps and even a lot of high school events (like BOA) are broadcast and have plenty of people tune in to watch.

3. How do the mental and physical demands of marching band compare to athletics?

Mr. Jaeckel:

I think there are a lot of similarities. Marching band requires endurance, stamina, mental focus, and fundamentals much the same as athletics.   

Mr. Driefort:

Everyone's physical demand on the field is different. Holding a quad drum and marching an 8 minute show really takes a lot of strength and endurance to be able to push through. There aren't any timeouts or chances to catch your breath. Wind players, like the tubas, need to carry around massive instruments, march drill, and remember music. It takes a different type of physical and mental demand.

4. A sense of community is crucial in marching band. Can you describe a moment this season when the band really came together as a team?

Mr. Jaeckel:

I think every year after our first competition, we always become more of a team.  Marching Band isn't something that our musicians grow up doing.  They don't start it in 1st or 2nd grade like youth basketball - so it's a very new experience for some of our students.  After our first competition, they start to realize what it's all about.  What their hard work means.  There is always a lot of support when our older students remember what it was like when they first marched.  

Mr. Driefort:

It was fun for me to see how sections welcomed in new members during band camp over the summer, and especially as they were having section hang outs you could see the camaraderie building. After our second competition of the season, we found our groove and it really helped with our productivity and spirit in rehearsal.

5. What misconceptions do people have about marching band that you’d like to clear up?

Mr. Jaeckel:

I think the biggest thing is I just want people to respect everyone for their own interests.  We don't all have to be marching band kids, just like we don't all have to be football players.  The world would be a pretty boring place.  You also don't have to enjoy what everyone does...just respect it and understand that everyone is working hard to be as good as they can be at their chosen craft.  

Mr. Driefort:

Marching band isn't for everyone. For those involved, whether its their passion, extra-curricular activity, or first family at the high school, they enjoy doing it. Everyone has things that they are passionate about, and it benefits everyone when you see the beauty in that kind of commitment. 

6. What is your philosophy when it comes to leadership and teamwork in marching band?

Mr. Jaeckel:

Leadership starts with building relationships and taking care of their own business first.  You need to have your own house in order before you can start to worry about everyone else.  Lead by example.  Some of the best leaders we have had, have been silent leaders.  You also need to make sure that others know that you truly care about them.  It's much easier to get others to buy in when they know you actually care about them. 

In terms of teamwork, everyone is a starter.  Everyone is important.  Everyone needs to make sure that the others around them are up to par.  Teamwork comes from the students' ownership of the program.  Everyone wants each other to be the very best version of themself that they can be.  

Mr. Driefort:

The best leaders lead by example. You don't need to be a 4 year member to show up on time, encourage others, and struggle to then put in the work needed to be successful. Having strong leaders in the band helps to shape the culture, and it's the overall experience that every member has that keeps them wanting to come back every year. 

7. How do you help students handle the pressure of competition while still enjoying what they

do?

Mr. Jaeckel:

We don't stress competition. Obviously, it's a big part of what we do, and we can't avoid it.  However, we talk  a lot about making sure that we are always improving.  Every rep, segment, and performance needs to be better than the last time you did it.  If you do that, then you're being successful..and when it really comes down to things, you'll be successful competitively as well.  

We also talk about time and place.  Have fun on our breaks, the bus rides, the section get-togethers, but when it's time to work, we need to get stuff done.  Our time together in rehearsal is finite.  

Mr. Driefort:

Students are encouraged to work hard and push to perform better every time they walk on the field, but the emphasis is never on beating competition. We are competing with ourselves, and I think having that mindset makes it so that students are self-reflective and committed to improving themselves, instead of what others are doing. When it comes time to competition, the students cheer on other schools. It is a joy to watch. 

8. If you had to describe this year’s show in one word or phrase, what would it be?

Mr. Jaeckel:

FIRE!

Mr. Driefort:

Lit!