SPHS Marching Band Looks Forward To A “Tough” Year

The Severna Park High School (SPHS) marching band has resumed its rehearsals following the summer intermission, preparing for a season packed with performances, competitions and an energetic theme.

In early August, most students returned for day-long practices, with the percussion section and color guard participating in separate camps tailored to their specialties. Band Director Eric Kilby announced this year’s show theme as “Tough.”

“‘Tough’ goes well with a boxing theme,” Kilby explained. “We were surveying a bunch of shows, and we fell in love with this particular show.”

Throughout the fall, the band will hold after-school rehearsals three days a week to learn and refine original music by composer Randall Standridge. Students will perform at all home football games, including the national anthem before kickoff, a field show during halftime, and a “Tough” musical program throughout the game. Senior Grace Wong is leading as president, and the senior drum major position is held by Keith Ivey.

Performances will run from late September through early November, during which the band will appear not only at school events but also at weekend competitions.

To help cover transportation for equipment, instruments and students, SPHS is hosting a competition midseason. The marching band also organizes restaurant nights and a popcorn fundraiser to support its efforts.

A highlight of the season is the band’s annual out-of-state trip for its final competition. While SPHS typically competes in events held by the Maryland Marching Band Association, this year the band is returning to its previous circuit, USBands. On November 8, students will travel to Allentown, Pennsylvania, to compete against groups from across the Mid-Atlantic and New England.

The director described the band as well-balanced this year in terms of instrument families and class representation, with approximately 20 students in each graduating class.

“We have 97 kids in the band this year, which is up about 15 from last year,” he said. “We’ve been steadily increasing since COVID. After we came out of COVID, we had about 30 kids. It takes a while to rebuild, but we’ve been doing it. We’re just about back to where we were, which was around 75 to 80 kids.”

Kilby expressed enthusiasm about the progress and buzzing energy heading into the new semester.

“I always look forward to the process,” he said. “Especially because they’re doing so well this year. It’s a great group of kids. They’re motivated and excited for the year.”