The 2024-2025 Lancaster High School marching band won a superior rating in the state final exhibition. The band has a long history of performing at the top level, making this their 43rd consecutive year performing at state finals.
LHS head band director Ben Factor said that the annual competition is an opportunity for the state’s top marching bands to perform and be recognized.
“Rather than competing directly with each other, bands at State Finals perform for an overall rating. The top rating of Superior is the goal for all of these performing groups. The Band of Gold was very fortunate this year to receive this top rating from all seven judges. This is a rare accomplishment that we are very proud of,” Factor said.
Marching Percussion Director Mallory Caserly said getting this superior rating was special and she is well pleased with the success of all of the band members.
“This year is especially exciting because we earned superior ratings in every caption [categories] which has never happened before. At least not in this century. It means that all of our hard work is making a difference and we are continuing to get better every year. I am a former band member, so getting to be a part of this means a lot to me personally. I am so proud of all of our band members and the percussion section that I work with and I hope they are proud of themselves as well,” she said.
Caserly also explained that the bands are judged on several aspects of the performance and each one has its own judge.
“For example some judges focus on music, some focus on visual, percussion, color guard etc. It pretty much just means we got the highest possible rating from every judge that saw us,” she said.
LHS sophomore and trumpet player Gabriel Rarick said how he is satisfied with the progress the band has made throughout the season.
“It’s nice to know the hard work paid off and that we were able to grow in some way from where we were at the start of the season,” Gabe said.
Factor explained that the competition experience encourages the band to excel.
“We were very fortunate this year to have several successful competitions this season. These performances were definitely the highlight of our season. Getting a chance to perform in front of thousands of appreciative fans, and then receiving positive feedback from a panel of judges is a great motivator,” said Factor.
LHS senior and Field Commander Ryan Durbin explained he is happy with his different marching band experience being a field commander.
“Being on the stand gives me a unique experience to hear all the sections combine to make music,” Durbin said.
LHS senior Low Brass player Brayden Sargent said he is happy with the achievements of the band.
“Being successful in the competition and getting a superior rating at every competition but our first,” Sargent said.
There was a lot of success from the band but there was also struggle.
Casserly said there was a lot of focus and hard work that went into these performances
“We put in a lot of hours every day and sacrifice most of our weekends to make this all happen. Rehearsals have frustrating moments, and it takes a lot of discipline and practice to get it right. I’m really proud of the band members for taking care of each other and making our band feel like a family,” Casserly said
Factor said that one of the challenges the band members encounter every year, can be quite taxing.
“No one knows any of the music, drill, or choreography. It is complicated and demanding, taking a great deal of concentration to perform at a high level. This level of concentration is often beyond what our band members have ever been asked to do. This is not easy to deal with, yet eventually the band members step it up,” Factor said.
