JE Marching Eagles look forward to a season of virtual competitions

About two weeks ago, the Jordan-Elbridge Marching Eagles found out there would be a season.

Its members couldn’t be happier.

The band has about 50 students, and director Dan English said despite living in trying times, the band’s numbers have increased since last year. The band started practicing the week of Sept. 28, and English said it feels great.

“Seeing the students back together making music with their friends made us all very happy,” he said.

“We have a great opportunity this year to try some new things that have never been done before. We have entered into virtual competitions with other schools from different states including, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. This is a new experience for the band and one we plan to supplement our normal ‘in person’ competitions with going forward in the coming years.”

English said the goals for year are to have fun, get the audience to stand up and of course, win. He said the band is looking forward to a parent show on Nov. 1, with a live audience, but has many procedures in place to make sure everyone is safe.

Additionally, on Sept. 28, the marching band elected two drum majors (or composers) to lead the music: seniors Stephanie Frost and Emily Mocyk.

“Being back is really great. With COVID, we didn’t think we were going to have a season,” Frost said.

“It’s been something we’ve really looked forward to. Marching band is a big family and we practice two days a week for three hours. It’s something we can all do to come together and work towards a common goal. It’s something we all love to do.”

Mocyk agreed.

“This is a like family,” she said, “and I love to be one of the people who helps put the music together.”