Wasilla High School Marching Band gearing up for a busy school year

WASILLA — The Wasilla High Marching Band is nearly done with the annual band camp program and gearing up for a busy school year packed with performances and exciting new opportunities.

“Everything is just moving in the right direction. It’s just an exciting time for us,” WHS band director Jackie Johnson said. I think this is going to be a great year. This has probably been the best starts we’ve ever had.”

Johnson said they’ve been rehearsing throughout the summer, come rain or shine. She said they mostly held practices on the football field, alternating with the football team and cheerleader practices throughout the day. She said they’ve all got a good rhythm going between the different school functions with everyone working together smoothly.

“We’re all on the same team,” Johnson said.

Johnson marveled at the hard work and dedication exhibited by her students this summer. She said that her veteran students helped in various roles to support the newer band members.

“They’ve had some long days in and they worked so hard,” Johnson said. “The kids have been amazing.”

The summer band camp wraps up Friday, Aug. 8. Johnson said this program is still new, but she’s greatly encouraged by all the major milestones they’ve achieved in just a few years. She said they even had the opportunity to show off the new marching band uniforms during the Fourth of July Parade hosted by the City of Wasilla.

“We add something new every year it seems,” Johnson said.

There’s currently about 20 students in the marching band program and Johnson anticipates more students signing up when school starts. She said the first football game of the season is Aug. 26 and this will be the first time her students will don the new uniforms at a school function.

“They’re all excited to finally wear them on the field, and they just look good,” Johnson said with a laugh.

Johnson said the plan is to participate in every student sporting event and function that they can. She said they haven’t been able to incorporate the band into soccer games yet, but this is the year they’re going to make it happen.

“It’s only fair that we’re here for everybody,” Johnson said. “It’s always a good day at warrior nation.”

For more information, visit matsuk12.us/WHS.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com