Times Observer Photo by Katie Miktuk The Spartans’ color guard practices on Wolverine Mountain on Wednesday, July 24, 2019.

The Spartans have assembled atop Wolverine Mountain.

The Spartans aren’t actually from Sparta, though. The drum corps is based out of Nashua, NH.

The Spartans have been around for 62 years, have 19 titles and awards and estimate to have had over 2,000 young adults go through the organization over the years.

“It’s humbling to be a part of an organization bigger than myself and to be able to have my name in its history,” said Matt Mackay, drum major for the Spartans.

Mackay has been with the Spartans for four seasons. His first two seasons he was a baritone player and is now in his second season as drum major.

Times Observer Photo by Katie Miktuk The Spartans have assembled for the 5th annual Music on the Mountain. Here they can be seen walking down Wolverine Mountain to assemble into smaller ensemble groups for rehearsal on Wednesday, July 24, 2019.

The drum corps departed for their national tour Tuesday, July 16 and have made their way to Wolverine Mountain for the fifth annual Music on the Mountain.

Mackay said he is exhilarated about the upcoming show on Friday, July 26. “The corps has such different energy this year. The crowd loves it, we love it, it’s a win-win,” said Mackay.

Mackay began his marching arts journey as a marching band member for his high school, Shepherd Hill Regional High School in Dudley, Ma., where he was also a drum major.

He has been involved with the marching arts for six years, twelve seasons total. He has done marching band, indoor percussion and now drum corps. He has played six seasons as a baritone player and played the bass drum in indoor percussion.

Mackay’s journey into the drum corps began when a group held their spring training in his hometown. “My best friend and I went down every day for the two weeks they practiced and I joined as soon as I was of age.”

The Spartans’ theme for this seasons show is “Experiment 10.” “It’s about individuality and exploring new genres of music and movement of the body,” said Mackay. “It’s all about trying something new.”

The drum corps even purchased new uniforms for this season.

“It’s a lot of hard work, but all of it’s worth it,” said Mackay. “It pays off in the end, the people you meet and family you create is lifelong.”

The fifth annual Music on the Mountain will be held this Friday, July 26, will be held at Wolverine Mountain. The gate opens at 4:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m.

Pre-sale tickets are $13 for adults. Tickets at the gate are $15. Tickets for children under 12 are $8.

There will be a raffle along with the show and concessions will be available.

Music on the Mountain will be the only open class show in Pennsylvania as Johnsonburg has pulled their show.

Other returning groups performing include Legends, Kalamazoo, Mich.; Raiders, Burlington, N.J.; 7th Regiment, New London, Conn.; and Les Stentors, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada.

New corps joining the show this year include Southwind, Mobile, Ala.; Heat Wave, Cape Coral, Fla.; and all-age corp Cincinnati Tradition, Cincinnati, Ohio.