The new marching band season has its participants and spectators excited about their performance. The season is also exciting for junior band member Kieran Coe.

With a new season comes new opportunities. Coe, who has played alto saxophone for the past six years, has been given the chance to try something new; he has opted to play in the drumline this year. This allows him to play a new style of music within this year’s marching band show, “Americana: Music of the Melting Pot!”

“Drumline has been a very cool opportunity for me, and I’ve gotten some percussion experience too,” Coe said.

Band teacher Ms. Kelli Swehla is optimistic about the change Coe has made.

“Kieran was in the front of the ensemble last year because he expressed interested in percussion.,” Ms. Swehla said. “This year, he stepped it up a notch and made the drumline. So far, he’s doing very well!”

The marching band is still trying to adjust to the changes of block scheduling, which is new this year.

“During ‘B’ Xcels and during certain mornings we have marching band. We also have band first period during ‘A’ days and section practices at 7 a.m. This gives the entire band more time to practice,” Coe said.

The students in marching band are looking forward to their first competitions on September 22. They will compete that day at Linn-Mar High School at noon and Marion High School at 7 p.m. The marching band will also perform during halftime at the next home football game on September 28.