Local News

Eisenhower Marching Band heading to National Veterans Parade

FARMINGTON - The Eisenhower High School marching band is preparing to take its talents to the national stage, traveling to Washington, D.C., for a parade honoring those who have served the country.

The trip, scheduled for Nov. 6 to 9, marks the band’s first time participating in the National Veterans Parade and represents a significant opportunity for students to showcase their hard work while representing their school and the surrounding community.

For seniors Carly Russell and Caitlyn Pikna, the upcoming trip is the culmination of years of dedication to music, leadership and marching band.

"It’s not just representing the school," Russell said. "It’s representing the whole area in general."

Both Russell and Pikna serve as drum majors in the band. Russell plays mallet percussion and alto saxophone, while Pikna primarily plays clarinet and also plays tenor saxophone in jazz band.

The students said the band’s success this season has been especially rewarding because they have watched the group improve over time.

"It means a lot because we’ve seen the progress build throughout most of the members," Russell said.

The band has been competing in the Tournament of Bands circuit, where performances are evaluated in categories including visual performance, general effect, ensemble music and individual performance. According to the students, Eisenhower has earned first-place finishes in its class at competitions this season and has frequently posted some of the highest overall scores.

The band reported a score of 85.51 during the interview, with students emphasizing that continued improvement will be essential as the season progresses toward championship competitions.

Maintaining that success requires a substantial commitment. Students estimate they spend at least 20 hours per week practicing during the marching season, including rehearsals before football games, Saturday morning practices and sectionals.

Summer preparation is equally demanding, with band camp running from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for two weeks, followed by additional rehearsals and competitions throughout the fall.

Despite the long hours, the students said marching band has helped them develop skills that extend beyond music.

Pikna said the experience has taught her how to work with others, communicate effectively and approach challenges with empathy. She hopes to pursue a career in the medical field, potentially becoming a physical therapist or dentist.

Russell plans to pursue music after high school and said her leadership role has helped her learn how to support other musicians and strengthen the group.

Both students also described the friendships they have formed through the program as one of its most meaningful benefits.

The band’s current makeup reflects a period of transition, as students from Youngsville joined the Eisenhower program in 2025. The merger initially presented challenges as students adjusted to different musical techniques, expectations and traditions.

Pikna, who originally attended Youngsville High School, said the transition required open communication and a willingness to understand one another’s experiences.

Although the groups had different backgrounds, she said, they gradually developed a stronger sense of mutual respect by focusing on their shared goal of making music together.

"We’re all trying to play music here, and it’s best if we just try to work together as a group instead of focusing on what’s different," Pikna said.

The students said that experience has helped strengthen the band as it prepares for the Washington trip.

The group also includes younger musicians, some as young as sixth grade. For many of those students, traveling to Washington will be an opportunity to experience a destination far beyond their usual competition circuit.

The parade offers the students an opportunity to connect their musical performance with the military traditions that helped shape marching bands.

"It’s a very big honor because the purpose of a marching band was originally for the military," Pikna said. "We want to honor them in the best way because of the sacrifices they’ve made."

She described participating in the event as a significant honor, particularly for students with relatives who have served in the military, and said the band wants to recognize the sacrifices made by service members and their families.

Russell said she has seen how meaningful the performance can be to those who have served or have family members who have served in the military.

The students also believe the event will bring unprecedented attention to their program and provide an opportunity for the broader community to take pride in the band’s accomplishments.

The band’s Washington trip will include more than the parade itself.

Students expect to visit museums and participate in a field performance before marching in the parade Sunday, Nov. 8. The itinerary also includes opportunities to interact with other bands and visit Arlington National Cemetery before returning home Monday, Nov. 9.

Russell and Pikna said they are looking forward to experiencing a new setting and meeting musicians from other programs.

Getting to Washington requires substantial financial support, and the band has relied on fundraising and community involvement to help cover expenses.

Fundraising efforts have included tag days, restaurant events, sub sales and candy bar sales.

Russell credited local businesses and band families with helping the program raise money and make the trip possible.

Businesses that have supported fundraising efforts include Dairy Queen, Walmart and Kwik Fill, according to the students.

Pikna said community members are often willing to contribute when they learn that donations support the band’s educational and musical opportunities.

The students said the fundraising reflects a broader commitment to providing young musicians with experiences they might not otherwise have.

Although trip-specific fundraising has largely concluded, donations to the boosters through the school are still welcome and can support the program’s ongoing needs.

As the band prepares for Washington, the students are balancing the excitement of a national performance with the demands of a competitive season.

For Russell and Pikna, the trip represents more than another performance. It is an opportunity to demonstrate how years of practice, teamwork and community support have brought their band to this point.