The Charger Pride’s Marching Band show, “Frozen Reign,” has officially started as of September 6th, having blown away any competition at their first contest in Goshen. But the marching band isn’t just about performance or mastering a certain instrument and skill.
While previous years’ shows have portrayed these morals or messages on being a good person and “Chasing the Light”, this year’s show started as a storyboard. Beginning in November of 2024, the idea of an ice queen was introduced by the color guard director to Doug Hassell, the Charger Pride’s band director.
Inspired by songs such as “The Hanging Tree” from The Hunger Games, the Dune movie soundtrack, and many requests for a darker show theme, “Frozen Reign” was created with the collaboration of more people than ever before.
When starting the new season in the late spring, band directors and techs have a general idea of what the show is formed on and how it should sound. But when meeting the new group and getting to form a community, the music seems to evolve and adapt to the group performing it.
“It’s not about developing musicians, but better people,” said Hassell
The Charger Pride is a tight-knit community built on support and passion, and it goes above and beyond education; it teaches lifelong skills and traits that apply to anyone’s daily life.
Hassell said, “It’s all about talent vs teachability.”
This year’s show and group has been reportedly different from previous years, having been even more positive and more advanced than ever before. This is a result of teachability, the ability to learn and grow, and being willing to develop as a person.
“It’s all about introspectivity,” said Calvin Stoller. “The queen is looking in on herself and realizing she’s more than the crown; anyone can apply this to their life…you’re more than what people see from the outside.”
“Passion inspires other passions,” said Ahna Aldred, having already completed three years of marching band and is currently one of the two front ensemble section leaders in the band. “Especially when you see the difference from the beginning to the end, the sheer amount of progress is inspiring.”
People who view the performances and competitions of the marching band get not only cheap entertainment, but also inspiration and a variety of influential experiences. The marching band is about growth. After speaking with Hassel, Aldred, and Stoller, the common theme between all conversations was growing and improving not only as a musician, but overall as a person.
“It’s not about the performance, but rather building these lifelong skills,” Stoller said.
The Charger Pride Marching Band is an uplifting opportunity and offers room for exploration and experiences for all, and this year’s show has only just begun.
