The LPMB is marching into their new show“Off the Rails”for the 2025-2026 season. 

The show is arranged by John Fannin and features the familiar tunes from Glenn Miller and Ozzy Osbourne. 

The band spent June and July practicing their marching techniques and working on the show. The band and colorguard spent 8 hours, five days of week in the height of the heat to learn and perfect their show. So far they have performed at the annual 4th of July Parade, Fox Park, and during halftime at the football game. Now that school has started, LPMB and Color Guard practice on Mondays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. On Wednesdays they practice right after school until 4:30 p.m. and often have practices on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Each section has a student leader who auditions to get the part. The section leaders help out their group with work, music, marching techniques and making sure they are following rules. Erica Petrie, drum major, conducts the band for pregame and the show. Kienna Simpson, rifle captain, and Natalie McGhee, flag captain, make sure the guard is on top of their work. 

The first competition is on September 13th at Tinley Park, IL. The next competitions will lead up to Prelims on October 11th at Plymouth High School. If the band scores enough points, they will earn a spot in the State Finals. State will be held at Franklin Central High School on October 25th. 

“I am very excited for this season! I have seen so much progress! With being Drum Major, I get to watch the show come together from my podium. I think the season will go really well! We have a really cool show and a lot of passion and talent! Our show looks really cool now, so I can't even imagine how good it's going to be by the end of our season,” Petrie said.

Everyone is excited for the rest of the season and for what is to come. Please wish the LPMB good luck for their season!