by This fall, the JBHS Rocket Band is taking audiences on a wild and whimsical musical ride with their 2017 field show performance, Classical Madness. With over 40 classical pieces masterfully woven together, this year’s show is unlike anything the band has tackled before.
As the performance unfolds, the band tells a story of unraveling sanity. What begins as a structured symphonic experience gradually descends into musical chaos, as familiar melodies by Beethoven, Holst, and Copland blend, collide, and even stop abruptly—leaving the audience in awe of the musical mayhem. The arrangement, composed by John Fannin, pushes the band creatively and technically.
“It’s the hardest show we’ve ever done,” said junior Abby Carbaugh. “But it’s pushing us in a really good way.”
The band is directed by Mrs. Sheryl Deike, with support from assistant director Mrs. Christine Metcalf, color guard instructor Rachel Deike, and drill writer/percussion instructor Michael Seville.
The performance opens with drum majors Claire Alfree (12) and Ashley Grove (11) leading the band onto the field. The first number showcases composure and harmony, setting up the contrast for the chaos that follows. Soloists Jarrett Iverson (11) on trombone, Kirstyn Black (12) on clarinet, Emily Newman (11) on mellophone, and Noah Shank (12) on snare drum are featured prominently.
In the second act, the descent into “madness” begins. Dancer Chelsea Wareham (11) plays a pivotal role as she attempts to lure fellow band member and flute soloist Macey Keefer (12)—and eventually the entire ensemble—into musical madness. Her hypnotic movements symbolize the transformation taking place.
Color Guard costumes and choreography visually reinforce the show’s theme. Initially, members appear in dark purple vests and black lipstick, with minimal red accents. As the show progresses, red becomes more dominant. By the final piece—a dramatic tango—the Guard dons red ascots and waves red flags and scarves, signaling that the madness has fully taken over.
This visual shift isn’t limited to the Guard. Hidden in every band member’s jacket is a red scarf. At the climactic moment, the scarves are revealed en masse, dramatically washing the field in red to signify total transformation.
Beyond Friday night football games, the Rocket Band also competes in regional USBands competitions in the 3A Division. On September 17, they earned third place in Color Guard and second place in Percussion at a competition in Urbana, MD. At Westminster on October 21, the band placed seventh overall out of nine competing bands.
With weekly rehearsals, three-hour Monday night practices, and full-day Saturday competitions, band members are no strangers to dedication—and laughter.
“Last year, Emily Newman broke her glasses and wore them taped together with duct tape for the entire day,” recalled junior Dawson Green with a laugh.
As the season wraps up, students are already looking ahead. Sign-ups for Indoor Guard and Percussion are now open, and no prior music experience is necessary. An Indoor Meet and Greet will be held on November 14 at 6 p.m. in the Band Room for all interested students.
The JBHS Rocket Band’s Classical Madness isn’t just a performance—it’s a journey into the thrilling, theatrical, and sometimes unpredictable world of marching band storytelling.
