If you’ve heard them play, it’s pretty obvious that the Harrison High School marching band sets the standard high. Twice a week, from six to eight o’clock, the band spends time together rehearsing songs for their upcoming performance. Their upbeat music fills the band room, ensuring every note is played to perfection. 

At Harrison High School, the school band is known for its frequent appearances, playing music at all different community events. From marching on the field at Husky football games to performing at the Memorial Day Parade, the Harrison marching band has always brought their A game to the stage. With its great success, students involved in the band have been able to build connections that extend more than just music. 

Oliver Schenk, a senior at Harrison High School, has participated in the Harrison marching band for several years. Starting his freshman year on a high note, Oliver joined the band as a way of socializing with his peers. Reflecting on his time with the band, Oliver shared, “I made new connections, and I learned a lot of skills, and I developed throughout the four years.” However, what he did not know when joining the marching band was all of the memories he was going to make. “I also got to travel to all these cool places with the band. We’ve been all together to Washington, DC, UConn, and UPenn,” Oliver says. Additionally, according to the Harrison Central School District’s fine and performing arts catalog, students have the opportunity to participate in several music festivals sponsored by the New York State School Music Association. Proving his passion for music, Oliver did just that. 

While the primary focus of the Harrison marching band is to play music, Oliver has made it clear that the band goes beyond marching. As his senior year is coming to an end, Oliver fondly looks back on his time spent with the band and the friends he made along his four-year marching journey.