New band leaders will make their marks as they march onto the field

Friday night football games and the culture connecting them to their communities would be incomplete without the bombastic sounds of marching bands. 

For football fans who have never thought of it as a sport, consider the required teamwork, physicality (including intense cardio, stamina, and strength), and competition that has long been part of the world of high school marching bands.  

This season, two new leaders are hoping to bring out the best that their school bands have to offer; The Champion interviewed Ian LaBreck, director of City Schools of Decatur’s (CSD) marching band, as well as Mike Dana, director of St. Pius X’s marching band. Both schools have a history of dazzling halftime shows and competition-winning choreography – aspects that each new director hopes to incorporate into his own band leadership. 

When asked what was in store for this season, LaBreck said CSD’s band would be paying tribute to the past. 

“Our 2026 show is titled ‘Snapshot,’ and it is a look back on the Decatur High School Marching Band over the years. We’ll have giant picture frames on the field to highlight moments in the history of the band program and pay homage to the legacy that has brought our program to where it is today,” explained LaBreck. 

On the St. Pius X field, Dana said this year’s program will involve student innovation. 

“We have a fun show in store this year; it’s named ‘Channel Surfing’ and will include many beloved TV Theme songs,” he said. “One new aspect for this year is the student body will get to pick the show during the week prior to our performances. They will be able to choose which sci-fi show theme, kids show theme, or what sports show theme we will be performing that week.” 

Explaining why marching band performances are an important part of the sports experience, both directors said football at the high school level wouldn’t be the same without bands in the stands or on the field. 

“There is something special about hearing the fight song as the team runs onto the field or after a score, or when you look up in the stands and the whole student section is cheering along with one of our cadences or pep tunes,” said LaBreck. “I know we have a really special thing at Decatur High School, because the student section is so supportive of our marching band students during halftime as well.” 

“The band is the soundtrack to every football game,” said Dana. “It fosters fellowship and helps build lifelong friendships and memories. My students are so talented and hard working. The sky is the limit for what they will be able to accomplish.” 

For more information, visit https://dhs.csdecatur.net/students/student-life/band and https://www.spx.org/arts/band.