What began more than four decades ago as a single trip to state has turned into a tradition woven into the fabric of Lewis Cass. The Lewis Cass Marching Kings have set the standard for musical excellence, and this year is no exception. Marking their 43rd consecutive trip to state, the band continues its legacy based on precision, pride, and passion. What started as a single achievement years ago has evolved into one of the school’s proudest traditions, unifying students, alumni, and the community in a celebration of the program that never misses a beat.
This season, the Marching Kings impressed audiences and judges alike with their Dr. Seuss-themed show, Think and Wonder, Wonder and Think. Under the direction of Alan Hinshaw and Dylan Humburg, the band performed well at both local and regional competitions and advanced to semi-state, where they qualified for the state finals at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Marching Kings have spent countless hours in the parking lot perfecting their formations, refining their sound, and pushing the limits to be just as good, if not better, than the previous years of success.
Senior drum major, Hailee Roeske, has poured numerous hours as well as her blood, sweat, and tears into the marching band over the past five years. When asked what advice she would give to her younger self, Hailee stated, “Enjoy it more. There are always going to be times when things aren’t fun and you don’t want to be there, but I would tell myself not to take the fun moments for granted. I wouldn’t say that I never enjoyed it or had fun, but now looking back, I would tell myself not to take it for granted because it’ll be over quicker than you think.”
The marching band this year consisted of four seniors, Hailee Roeske, Braylee Pierce, Madison Shreckenghaust, and Allara Henry, all of whom have been members of the Marching Kings for five years. Together, they have performed in multiple shows and have taken the field at Lucas Oil Stadium four times, soon to be five. Senior band captain and flute player, Allara Henry, shared her favorite performance theme from her years in band, “Choosing one show out of my five years is difficult, as each season has something new to offer and different memories that they hold, but this year’s show, Think and Wonder, Wonder and Think, is currently my favorite. This year, I have been able to lead the band and truly see how much of an impression I can make on each member in every section. Without this show, I would not have been able to meet some of my current friends and enjoy the show as much as I would have without them.” Being in band for as many years as the seniors have made for many memorable moments, Madison Shreckenghaust stated, “My favorite memory from marching band is probably winning state in 2024. I really loved the ‘The Giving Tree’ show and was happy to win state with it.”
Proud band director, Alan Hinshaw, shares his thoughts on this season’s group, “I was a little nervous about this group during the summer. We are younger and less experienced than bands in the past. We have four very talented seniors this year. They have stuck with it through the years and push the rest of the band members to be the best they can be. Through it all, our students have learned fast and have worked hard to do the best they can every day. I am very proud of the progress the band has made this year.” Clearly, the band has come out on top and defeated the initial nerves of their director.
For generations, the music of the Marching Kings has echoed through the halls of Lewis Cass, inspiring many younger generations to pick up instruments, make music themselves, and join the legacy. As the band prepares for yet another trip to Lucas Oil Stadium for the state finals, the excitement is not just felt on the field; it is felt throughout the entire Lewis Cass community. The Marching Kings perform at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, November 8, at 4:40 p.m. Good luck, Kings!
