A Night Inside
The Lakewood Marching Band performed at Lakewood High School for its annual marching band concert on Tuesday, Oct. 28, in the Civic Auditorium. It played a variety of songs throughout the night, mixing classical and modern pieces for a captivating evening.
Celebration of the Season
The concert reflected the growth and transformation within the band itself, with each musical selection representing a different time of year, from the bright, lively energy of spring to the changes of summer and the reflectiveness of fall.
The finale captured the spirit of winter, concluding the night with a serene melody that resonated throughout the auditorium. Senior Abby Kovach said, “Being in the band has strengthened my skills outside of my primary instrument, and it’s really helped me grow.” The marching band has allowed the students to excel in areas such as creativity, discipline, and musical expression.
Beyond the music, the theme symbolized the journey the band experiences each year. Freshman begin their season learning the basics, while seniors close their final chapter, passing on traditions and leadership to the next generation. Paula Liderbach, a parent of a marching band member, said, “Seeing all those kids being so involved and happy and energetic throughout the whole game, being so united, makes every performance ten times better.” Just as the seasons shift, the band evolves, growing stronger, more connected, and more confident with each performance.
Behind the Music
The Lakewood Ranger Marching Band took on many challenging pieces throughout its season. During halftime, the Ranger Marching Band performs for fans at the Friday night football games in the fall. The band played a variety of songs, captivating the audience with its musical range and creativity. The halftime performances really showcase the band while highlighting its precision, energy and emotion, from contemporary hits to timeless classics such as “Don’t You Worry ’Bout a Thing” by Stevie Wonder from his 1973 album Innervisions; “Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars from his 2014 album Uptown Special; “Carry On Wayward Son” from Kansas’ 1976 album Leftoverture; “Holiday” by Green Day from their 2004 album American Idiot; “Crazy in Love” from Beyoncé’s 2003 album Dangerously in Love; and the hit single “Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Jr. in 1984.
From upbeat pop anthems to dramatic rock pieces that showcased the band’s technical skills, each performance told a story and brought the field to life. As the season progressed, the band’s sound grew tighter and more confident. Band Director Clinton Steinbrunner said, “Our main goal at the beginning of the season was to make sure that everyone felt really confident in the parts they were playing.” The Lakewood Ranger Marching Band never fails to disappoint in both its music selection and capabilities.
A Night To Remember
The concert was kicked off by the band, flags, and Rangerettes running on stage just as if they were on the football field. They started the show playing Lakewood High School’s fight song, followed by the “Star-Spangled Banner.” The band then played the patriotic melody “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” written to honor Abraham Lincoln.
After the tribute to the 16th President, the band played some of its favorite songs from halftime performances, including those played throughout the 2025 season. Steinbrunner recognized the volunteer coordinators, uniform managers, truck drivers, and videographers, as well as Mike Jaissle, the voice of the marching band. The drumline then walked on stage and played some familiar cadences for the audience, which had the audience clapping along to the beat.
The band took a trip down memory lane and played some songs from past halftime performances. The Rangerettes and flag team took turns sharing the stage, putting on incredible performances for the audience. One of the most memorable parts of the evening was when the band highlighted their seniors from the Rangerettes, the flag team, and the band. Each senior was announced along with their involvement and how long they had been a part of their group.
The seniors stood at the top of the auditorium, and the underclassmen played the alma mater to honor them at the end of their final season. All members of the band have put in a significant amount of work, and it truly showed.
Looking Forward
As the marching band wraps up an incredible season, there are still a few more exciting performances to look forward to. The band will be performing at the annual Veterans Day ceremony at Lakewood Park at the Veterans Memorial on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. The event was a tribute to the men and women who have served in the armed forces. The marching band will also perform in the Light Up Lakewood parade on Dec. 6 at 5 p.m. on Detroit Avenue.
