Lennox Marching Band makes history at Festival of Bands

For only the third time in school history, the Lennox High School Oriole Pride Marching Band advanced to the finals at the Festival of Bands in Sioux Falls on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.

During the preliminary round, the Oriole Pride impressed judges and spectators alike despite battling the winds, earning first place in Class AA and taking home the award for Best Color Guard. Their high score placed them among the top five bands overall, securing one of ten coveted spots in the evening finals—a tremendous accomplishment.

Their 2025 show, titled “Waves,” made quite a splash both musically and visually. Inspired by the ocean, the program blended artistry and fun with creative storytelling on the field. The show featured crashing waves, beach towels, schools of fish, and even a “surfing moment.” 

Director Ellie Brockmueller developed the concept after her junior high band performed a piece titled New Waters, Old Waves, sparking the idea for an ocean-themed performance. The show includes pieces like Surfin’ U.S.A. by The Beach Boys and Come Sail Away by Styx, creating a “day at the beach” atmosphere that makes an entertaining performance. 

The Oriole Pride entered the season well-prepared following summer band camp in early August. With their drill and music memorized early, the students focused on refining details and adding more dynamic visual elements. The 2025 ensemble boasts strong musicianship across all sections, including the largest color guard in program history with 15 members. 

The mellophones—all seniors—are featured prominently, with Tiegen Black performing a solo and Elijah Johnson serving as the show’s “fearless surfer.” Drum majors Miriam Welch and Duncan Johnson not only led the ensemble but also performed solos during the show.

During the performance, the trumpets were featured twice, and a quintet ensemble spotlights Lauren Anacker (trombone), Grant Buhta (trumpet), Noah Sitter (alto sax), Thomas DuChene (alto sax), and Sam Bambas (bari sax). 

When the lights came on for finals of the Festival of Bands, Lennox performed at 8:30 p.m., and delivered a crowd-pleasing show that earned them sixth place overall with a score of 70.9—a strong finish among some of the top competitive programs. The Oriole Pride also received the prestigious Spirit of Festival Award.

Final Results – 38th Annual Festival of Bands are as follows: 

Eastview High School – 80.7

Brookings High School – 78.4

Marshall High School – 76.6

West Central High School – 73.0

Harrisburg High School – 72.65

Lennox High School – 70.9

Lincoln Southwest – 70.0

Aberdeen Central High School – 69.15

Madison High School – 66.05

Waseca High School – 64.0

Caption Awards:

Outstanding Drum Majors: Eastview High School

Outstanding Percussion: Eastview High School

Outstanding Winds: Eastview High School

Outstanding Color Guard: Marshall High School

Now in its 38th year, the Festival of Bands continues to be one of the Midwest’s most prestigious marching competitions, showcasing the talent and dedication of high school musicians from multiple states. 

The Oriole Pride will wrap up their competitive season at the Dutchmen Field Championships in Orange City, Iowa, this Saturday, Oct. 11, and will also perform at the home football game this Friday, Oct. 10. Their annual Indoor Show and Dinner is scheduled to be held on Oct. 28.