Members of the Manheim Township Marching Band (MTMB) are focused on the music, on the steps and on the collaboration. The growth that they are experiencing is mostly organic and just a bit intentional.

"I think band, in one way, has turned me into a better person," said Timothy Spealman, a senior and the vice president of MTMB. "I've learned a lot from my experiences and the different people I've met. I think band has helped me to develop into the person I am today, just how I act around others."

"The people are so important here; they're always pushing you and they're always encouraging about it," said Sophia Jin, a senior and an MTMB drum major. "The most important thing is the growth you go through. I've also learned discipline. We talk about how to get things done with a purpose. We try to keep each other supported."

The groundwork for another successful MTMB season is already being laid. That hard work will be unveiled to the public for the first time at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20, when the Marching Blue Streaks will perform their 2026 field show titled "Soaring" for a home gathering of family, friends, faculty and community members at Manheim Township High School (MTHS) Stadium, 100 Blue Streak Blvd., Lancaster.

The community event is free to attend.

"I've found how to come out of my shell more," said Celia Peffley, an MTMB senior and drum major. "As I went through marching band, I opened up more, and that helped me with leadership skills. I've learned to be a more open person."

"In my experience, I learned to be a better person," said Ace Davis, senior band president. "I learned how to socialize better. Being in band with a bunch of kids who feel similar has been inspiring."

MTMB's 2026 fall campaign, which officially began with the opening of band camp on Aug. 3, will conclude on Saturday, Oct. 31, at McCaskey High School's big finale showcase. In all, the Marching Blue Streaks will perform publicly 15 times this autumn, including at every home and away football game and at its own mini-showcase event at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8, at MTHS Stadium.

"Ideally, our best show is going to be our last performance. There's always room for growth," said Ace. "I think one thing people don't realize is how much band means to us. I don't think people understand how close-knit of a community band is. I think that's one thing that sets us apart from other activities."

"I think of band (as) like being with a sibling in a way," said Celia. "I do better in school when marching band is happening. Marching band is just such a healthy stress environment. My grades are always best during marching band."

This year's version of the MTMB is made up of 102 student members. The underclassmen take their cues from and look up to the upperclassmen.

"A lot of it is preparing the show, but it's also preparing us for success," said Sophia. "Everyone is a really big part of the marching band. There's going to be a lot of hard work, but you always know there's going to be someone next to you. We all make meaningful relationships and lasting memories. To find a group of like-minded people is really rare."

"Band is a big part of my life," said Timothy. "It takes up a lot of time. But if I didn't enjoy it, I wouldn't do it. That feeling of walking off the field after a good show makes it all worth it. Even though it's a lot of work, it pays off in the end, and it's a lot of fun while you're working."

For additional information, go to http://www.mtwp.net.