1. It's Musical & Educational: As a member of the HHS Trojan Marching Band, you will have the opportunity to play a variety of music genres and styles, anything from Green Day to Disney to Billie Eilish. We take immense pride in how we look and how we sound during our performances. To produce this quality musical product, we spend time on exercises and warm-ups to develop tone, technique, and endurance. These skills supplement what we learn in concert ensemble rehearsals.

2. It's Social: The friendships and memories you create though band last for a lifetime. Built into our rehearsal schedules and calendar are activities and opportunities to form these connections and create these memories. As we spend time with each other, we get to learn about everyone's story. For new members, band offers a unique opportunity to meet people and make friends in High School and experience the new building before the first day of school, creating a strong support network. I didn't know it at the time, but my high school marching band provided me with experiences that still have a lot of meaning to me today.

3. It's Fun: Not only do we perform exhilarating shows, but we have fun in absolutely everything we do. There are so many diverse personalities in the marching band that EVERYONE has a good time. 

4. It's Something You Can Be Proud Of: You will be working hard to perform your instrument, memorize your music and drill, march correctly, all at the same time. When everything is said and done, you will look back on what you - and the band - accomplished. It's a feeling much larger than its individual parts.

5. Get Credit: For participating in marching band, you receive .25 credits. That means after 4 years of High School, you have another credit! Keep in mind, however, that marching band does not count towards your maximum number of credits per year, so you don't have to worry about a credit overload!

6. It Builds Leadership Skills Through Discipline and Dedication: Long rehearsals are not for the faint of heart. To work strenuous hours through tough conditions instills a mental fortitude and ethic that will serve you throughout your life. During your time with the marching band there will be multiple opportunities for leadership positions in the band, for example section leader or drum major, all of which look great on college or workforce applications! 

7. It Will Work Your Mind and Body: No need to hit the gym from July through October. You’ll be marching mile after mile carrying anywhere from a 15 oz. piccolo to a 40 lb. snare drum, controlling your breathing the entire way, AND playing memorized music. It's also a refreshing break from the day - you work an entirely different part of your brain!

8. It Is An Awesome 'Team' to Be On: Teamwork is a necessity when you’re part of a marching band, no one gets left behind. 100% of our 'team' plays 100% of the time. When you work hard together, each contribute your important part, and trust each other marching forwards, backwards and every-which-way, there’s a camaraderie unlike any other. Plus, you automatically have a whole bunch of friends to share the experience with.

9. It Will Give You Cool Travel Opportunities: Our marching band often participates in parades and special events outside of Hershey! Some cool past events include a parade in Epcot Center at Disney World, and participating in the Penn State University Blue Band Band Jam.