by Aimee Shumaker

In 2022, the Bellbrook Marching Eagles took home the title of Midstates Band Association (MSBA) Champions in their class of 3A. They have high hopes for this year as well.

Their 2023 competition show is entitled “Press Play.” The concept is based on television and the show’s elements mimic actions such as rewinding, fast forwarding, and changing channels.

“It’s different from a lot of shows we’ve done,” senior and drum major Annaleese Theodor said. “There’s more of a storyline. It’s easier to read I think.”

As drum major, Theodor has a different perspective from the marchers on the field. “I get to watch the show,” she said. “This is really the only show I’ve gotten to watch live. It’s really fun to conduct.”

The show features music from various TV shows including Squid Game, The Simpsons, Lost, and WandaVision.

“The show is really cool,” senior and front ensemble member August Aiello said. “The songs are songs people would be able to recognize.”

“There are a lot of interesting things that we are doing,” junior trumpet player Victor Kronenberger said. “There’s solos and small ensembles.” 

Kronenberger plays flugelhorn in a duet with sophomore clarinet player Sara Brust and is a member of the brass small ensemble in part four.  “It’s really cool being at the focus of the show at certain points,” he said. 

Also notable is the trombone feature in episode five. Traditionally, the Bellbrook Marching Eagles does not include trombones.

The musicians work alongside the color guard, who dance, and spin flags, rifles, and sabres. 

“During part three we have this flag feature where only one or two people have the same-colored flag to create the color block of the TV,” guard senior Ella Glover said. “It’s a really cool effect and aesthetic design of the show.”

The band does not only perform at football games. They can also be seen at marching band competitions. The band’s first major competition is the Bands of America (BOA) Central Ohio Regional, at Obetz, Ohio, on September 23. They will also perform at MSBA competitions and at the BOA Grand Nationals in Indianapolis.

“I’m looking forward to getting back into competitions,” Theodor said. “This is my senior year so I’m hoping that we do well. I would love to see us make it to semi finals in grand nats, or at least semi-finals in a regional.”