Eden Prairie Welcomes You Back to
Marching Band Season

Performance Order

Performance Time: 12:00 pm

Competitive Classification: A
Director: Nick Buroker

Drum Majors: Ava Lueck and Leyton Yerks

Caption heads: Tanner Lent, Melody Maricle, Wyatt Golde, and Desta Woube. 

Staff: Nick Buroker, Justin Mons, Maddie Schuette, Shane Matter, Izzy Tapp, Alyssa Matter, and Ezra Nordman. 

Soloists: Henry Cram and Desta Woube. 

Show: One Story Too Many

The Hutchinson Marching Tigers’ 2026 show is entitled “One Story Too Many.” A group of students decide to go on a camping trip to enjoy the majesty of the great outdoors. As they enjoy the campfire, they tell each other scary stories and settle in for the evening. However, they soon find out that one tale was more than just a story…

Program information:

The Marching Tigers are part of a comprehensive instrumental music program which includes three concert bands, jazz band, pep band, and a strong tradition of participation in Solo & Ensemble. The Marching Tigers would like to thank the Hutchinson Music Boosters, along with the administration and staff of Hutchinson Public Schools for their continued support.

Performance Time: 12:15 pm

Competitive Classification: A
Director: Tim Hauser

Performance Time: 12:30 pm

Competitive Classification: A
Director: Blake Peterson

Drum Majors: Jackson Boos, Evelyn Byers

Assistant Directors: Kevin Piexoto (Peh-show-toe), Jason Lima (Lee-ma)

Hornline Staff: Conor Jolly

Percussion Staff: Ella Johnson, Isaac Barton, Felicia Hermann

Colorguard: Al Allen, Summer Burgess, McKenna Patterson

Music Writing/Arranging: Conor Jolly, Kevin Peixoto (Peh-show-toe), Jason Lima

Drill/Choreography: Joel Matuszak, Kevin Peixoto(Peh-show-toe), Al Allen, Summer Burgess, McKenna Patterson

Show: The Ascent

Rooted in humanity's timeless drive to conquer the unknown, the journey of the mountain climber is a testament to endurance, ambition, and the relentless pull of the horizon. Rising sharply from the earth, the peak stands as both a majestic siren and an unyielding adversary—a place where thin air, brutal elements, and dizzying heights test the limits of body and spirit. Come join the Marching Huskies in their 2026 show, "The Ascent". The show features “The Impossible Dream” from The Man of La Mancha, Kevin Day’s “Summit” and Rossano Gallante’s “Mount Everest”.

Today the Marching Huskies will be performing the first three movements of their show.

About:
2025 Youth In Music Class A Hornline Champion

2025 Youth In Music Class A Percussion Champion

2024 Youth In Music Class A 2nd Place
2024 Youth in Music Class A Percussion Champion
2019 Youth In Music Class A 1st Place
2018 Youth In Music Class A 2nd Place
2018 Youth in Music Class A Percussion Champion

General Acknowledgements:

The Andover Marching Huskies would like to thank the Andover High School Administration, Custodial Staff and Music Department; and the Andover Music Booster Organization for their outstanding support of the program.

School/District Administrator Acknowledgements:

Cory McIntyre, Superintendent

Dr. Joshua Delich, Associate Superintendent of High Schools

Tim Feine, Andover High School Principal

Eric Lehtola, Andover High School Activities Director

Performance Time: 12:45 pm

Competitive Classification: A
Directors: Steve Johnson

Drum Major: Jack Callan

Show: Den of Vipers

The Champlin Park Marching Rebels are proud to present their 2026 show, Den of Vipers.

About:

The Champlin Park Marching Rebels consist of 85 dedicated musicians who pride themselves on being highly active in many marching venues throughout the Midwest and across the country. Over the last 35 years, the band has performed and competed across the country in parades as well as field competitions. Champlin Park has racked up some impressive accomplishments including: 1st place in Class A at Youth in Music Minnesota State Championships, Grand Champions in both parade and field show at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tennessee, 2nd place in Class AA Youth in Music Minnesota State Championships, and appearances at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans and Holiday Bowl in San Diego. 

Performance Time: 1:00 pm

Competitive Classification: A
Directors: Emily Chandler, Thomas Wentzler

Drum Major: Trenton Perreault

Percussion Staff: Josh Wahlstrom 

Colorguard Staff: Zack Anderson, Jocelyn Bronsdon

Additional Staff: Hannah Steele

Music Composition: Standing O Marching

Colorguard Design: Zack Anderson, Korey Craven 

Drill Design: Joel Matuzak 

Mellophone Soloist: Ella Wald

Flute Soloist: Violet Girgen

Show: The Warrior's Code

The 2026 Marching Band Production, “The Warrior’s Code,” takes audiences on a powerful journey into the world of the samurai. Join us as we explore the timeless principles that guided these legendary warriors—respect, honor, discipline, courage, and pride

Performance Time: 1:15 pm

Competitive Classification: A
Director: Andrew Scheller

Drum majors: Eleanor Clasemann and Frannie Buss

Show: Dead Man’s Party. 

As the clock strikes midnight, a secret party begins for all the fun-loving residents of this graveyard... Except for the grim reaper, who is tasked with keeping the misbehaving skeletons in line! As the night progresses, the skeletons do their best to keep the party going strong - even as the grim reaper takes their job a little too seriously. Featuring musical selections “Don’t Fear the Reaper” by Blue Oyster Cult and “Dead Man’s Party” by Danny Elfman, the Rochester Lourdes Marching Band is proud to present their 2026 production, Dead Man’s Party. 

Program info: 

The marching band at Lourdes High School is part of an extensive instrumental music program that includes a Concert Band, Jazz Band, Pep Band, Indoor Drumline, AP Music Theory course, Music Studio course, and private lesson program. The Rochester Lourdes Marching Band is proud to perform at numerous competitions and events across Minnesota. 

Recent accolades include 2025 Prairie Colors class A champion, 2025 Eastview Festival class A champion, 2025 Waseca Marching Class class A champion, and 2025 Youth in Music Minnesota Marching Band Championships class A runner up. The band would like to thank the amazing parents and staff for all you do to make our season possible! 

Performance Time: 2:00 pm

Competitive Classification: AA
Drum Major: Colby Hoof and Maren Schimming
Directors: Devon Lawrence, Anders Peterson (Asst), Joe Fritz (Asst)
Winds Arranger: Ward Miller
Percussion Arranger: Marques Eckhoff
Drill Designer: Pat Miller
Color Guard Designer: Sarah Thursby

Show: Urban Symphony

"Urban Symphony" explores the sounds, energy, and character of a city from sunup to sundown. Drawing from jazz, blues, and contemporary styles, the show moves between the slower, calmer moments of the day and the larger, more chaotic ones. The many sounds and elements of the city come together to create one unified symphony. Through music and visual elements inspired by the urban landscape, the Waseca Marching Jays bring the city to life.

About:

The Marching Jays are proud to be one of the longest-running competitive marching bands in the state of Minnesota, with over 50 years of competition experience. Waseca's music program offers many opportunities including: Private Lessons, Jazz Band, Concert Band, Small Ensembles, Solo and Ensemble, and more! 

The Jays will be competing in Eden Prairie, Eastview, The Waseca Classic, MSU - Mankato, Sioux Falls, and the Youth In Music State Championship this fall. The Marching Jays also wish to thank Waseca Public Schools, the Waseca Band Boosters, as well as the parents and community members who do so much to support the program. 

Performance Time: 2:15 pm

Competitive Classification: AA
Drum Majors: Leila Pratt, Sam Kunkel, Isabelle Tindall

Band Directors: Brady Krusemark, Eric Zimmerman

Featured Soloists include: Leila Pratt - Oboe, Avelyn Betters - Alto Sax, Noah Davis - Tenor Sax

Color Guard Staff: Sarah Thursby, Jamie Drey, Elie Wendinger

Percussion Staff: Michael Thursby, Charlie Cooper, Cooper Karan, Liz Jensen

Visual & Music Staff: Miranda Merrill, Ethan Goulson, Patrick Karl, Rachel Olsen

Program Coordinator: Colton Hines

Drill Writer: Tim Darbonne

Band Choreographer: Manny Ruiz

Wind Arranger and Sound Designer: Colton Hines

Percussion Arranger: Michael Thursby

Colorguard Choreographer: Sarah Thursby

Show: A New Life
This season's show, “A New Life”, consists of excerpts from:

Equus by Eric Whitacre

Lux Arumque by Eric Whitacre

Eye of the Untold Her by Lindsey Stirling

About:
The Mankato 77 Lancers membership consists of 9th-12th grade students from District 77’s Mankato East and Mankato West High Schools. The group consists of approximately 120 members performing in brass, woodwind, percussion and colorguard sections. This season, The Lancers celebrate their 48th year of competitive marching and performance.

The Mankato 77 Lancers are a District 77 organization that strives to promote excellence in the areas of youth development and performance. Over the years, the Lancers have marched and performed in over 30 states and Canada.  In 2024 and 2025, the band earned back-to-back Class AA MN State Championships, placing 1st in Class AA at the Minnesota State Marching Band Championships at US Bank Stadium.  This year, the Lancers will perform in several competitions throughout MN, including the first ever Maverick Marching Classic at MSU-Mankato on Saturday, September 26th.  The band will also travel to compete in the Youth in Music Marching Band Festival at US Bank Stadium, the Bands of America Iowa Regional in Cedar Falls, IA, and the Bands of America Super Regional at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.  The Mankato 77 Lancers Marching Band wishes to thank our schools’ administration, parents, community members, and the Lancer Parent Association for their positive and generous support and appreciation of instrumental music and the performing arts programs in Mankato Area Public Schools.

Performance Time: 2:30 pm

Competitive Classification: Exhibition
Drum Majors: Bradley Wilkings and Aidan Phan
Directors: Michael Okwabi and Mike Whipkey
Band Staff: Calvin Stromwall, Marissa G, Emma Cullum, Jake Fischer, Grant Kokal, Jack Wagner, Thomas Warnke, Hakeem Hamshari, Tomer Ran-Ressler, Canab Aden, Bella G Ryan, Jana Clifton, Eliana Kierske, Elijah Vetter, Stacie Kammerling, Olivia Sims, Torie Borchard

Show: Opposites
Our 2026 show, Opposites, explores the idea that balance is necessary in every aspect of music and life. Inspired by the concept of Yin and Yang, the show examines the relationship between opposing forces and the idea that one cannot truly exist without the other.

Opposites explores contrasts such as light and dark, tension and release, chaos and order, strength and vulnerability, and movement and stillness. These opposing elements come together to create balance, with each side giving meaning and purpose to the other.

Musically and visually, the show is designed to provide a wide variety of experiences while maintaining a strong conceptual thread. Opposites offers musical depth, emotional contrast, visual variety, and pure entertainment value, creating a performance that challenges our students while engaging our audience.

At its core, Opposites reminds us that balance does not come from eliminating differences—it comes from understanding how opposing forces can exist together.

About:
The Eden Prairie High School Band Program is a nationally recognized, comprehensive program that includes four concert bands, the Eagle Marching Band, two jazz bands, jazz combo, winter drumline, and winter colorguard. Our ensembles have performed across the U.S. and internationally, earning invitations to prestigious events such as the Music for All National Concert Band Festival, Bands of America National Percussion Festival, Disney Jazz Festival, and WGI World Championships. With a tradition of excellence spanning decades, our students consistently earn top honors at state and national levels while representing the Eden Prairie community with unity, artistry, and pride.

In Appreciation:
We would like to thank our amazing Band Parent Organization, Eden Prairie High School Admin/ Activities Staff, and the never ending support for these students and program from family, friends and our Eden Prairie Community. Thank you!

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