The annual Lakewood Ranger Marching Band tradition, known as Trunk-or-Treat, is a highly anticipated event. Held after the final Tuesday practice — which doubles as the concert rehearsal — the celebration serves as a much-needed reward for the band members’ exhaustive performance season.
The Tradition and the Reward
The tradition has been ongoing for more than five years. It began about six years ago when a parent presented the idea to Band Director Clinton Steinbrunner. Steinbrunner views the event as a fitting acknowledgment of the effort put forth by the students.
“It’s just a nice cap off to the end of the season in our last rehearsal because there’s so much work that goes into everything,” Steinbrunner said.
The celebration recognizes the significant workload undertaken by the students. Throughout the year, band members memorize between nine and 20 pieces of music. Their preparation schedule includes 8-hour practices for two weeks, two band camps, and 4-hour-long band practices.
The Surprise
While students look forward to dressing up in their Halloween costumes for the rehearsal, the freshmen and new members are unaware that a surprise awaits them at the end. Only the upperclassmen are in on the secret.
Flute section leader Olive Lopez noted the reactions of the newer members. “I think a lot of the freshmen last year actually knew it was going to happen, but the surprise was a really good reaction to see,” Lopez said.
Participation is high, with 90 percent of members dressing up. Senior members express particular excitement since they know this is likely their final Trunk-or-Treat. Field Commander Julius Janke remarked, “I think as the years go on, as a rehearsal goes on, senior members are more excited than most, just because it’s their last year, they want to make the most of it.”
Event Setup and Treats
Parents set up spooky, detailed decorations during rehearsal in the Civic Auditorium and gymnasium. The entrance area was completely dark as students walked into the gym, which was illuminated in red light, building suspense for those who did not know what was happening.
The setups included tons of candy and treats, including a table offering where parents made ice cream floats for the students. The table was constantly busy, as 150 band members enjoyed ice cream and soda.
One of the most interesting tables set up was an interactive game. It featured a Twister game where participants twisted a wheel and took candy corresponding to the color. The candy options included Kit Kats (red), Halloween Oreos (blue), peanut M&M’s (yellow), and mint-flavored Twix (green). Another setup offered novelty items, including toy instruments like maracas and plastic recorders. During the event, students played their instruments loudly in the gym. The noise and chaos were a worthwhile part of the experience.
The Lakewood Ranger Marching Band’s Trunk-or-Treat is a reminder that hard work, camaraderie, and a little Halloween fun can create traditions that resonate long after the season is over. Here’s to many more years of music and spooky surprises ahead.
