The Tyrone Marching Band’s 2022 show, Angels and Demons, had great music and a great storyline, showcasing an epic battle between good and evil, with the ‘demons’ transforming into ‘angels’ as represented in the color guard.

A year of dedication and hard work on the show paid off last weekend with Tyrone’s “angels” prevailing in the form of a third-place award and a score of 89.810 at the Atlantic Coast Championships.

“I was hoping for top five and we got top three,” said Tyrone Band Director David Hock, “I am so proud of these students and how much they have grown this school year and it’s very exciting to see them awarded for their hard work.”

The marching band competed against 18 other schools in the A-1 section at ACCs, held at Hershey Park Stadium in Hershey on November 6.

The last time the band placed in the top three at the Atlantic Coast Championships was back in 2013.

“I was very happy, a little bit surprised, but very excited and proud that the band students got some recognition for the energy and passion that they have put into the show this season,” said Hock.

The recognition the band received this week brought joy, and celebration and also a bit of sadness to members of the band, especially the graduating seniors.

“I am very upset that our season is over. It hurts that I will not be able to march on the field again, but I am eager to watch the band and my younger peers compete in the future. It is a very emotional time for me as I have been in the marching band for five years and it has finally ended,” said senior Laci Daniel.

The marching band will graduate three seniors this year: Xena Sieminski, Laci Daniel, and Mikenzie Weaver.

Daniel encouraged all of the underclassmen to cherish every moment they have with their fellow band members.

“Take it in and remember every emotion, good or bad, that you experience during marching band. Those years will go very quickly and there will be many moments that will stick with you forever,” said Daniel.

Hock continues to thank the seniors for all the hard work they have put into the season and wishes them the best of their future endeavors.

“Keep trying to be the best that you can be at whatever you are doing. Focus on how those experiences make you feel and how they make you a better person because those are the things that you will remember the most,” said Hock. “Don’t forget to love yourself. Take care of yourself so that you have more energy to care for and inspire others.”

This year’s band included 20 musicians, four color guard members, and as nine majorettes, who performed at football games.

The band was led by drum majors Kaleigh Brodzina and Austin White. In addition to Hock, instructors include color guard instructor Lisa Geissinger; percussion instructor Rob Bonsell; assistant percussion instructor Floyd Hunter; majorette instructors Marcia Fink and Corinne Creppage.

Even though this was the marching band’s last competition, the year is not over for the members of Tyrone’s other performance groups.

On November 17th at 6:30 pm, there will be an informational meeting in the band room for students and parents to discuss the upcoming indoor percussion season, which will begin in December.