One of the benefits of extracurricular activities is the opportunity for personal growth. Within the Lancaster Catholic marching band, that goal is paramount.

"We focus on being a person and working super hard," said Kate Pekarik, who's in her second season as LCHS marching band's director.

This year's version of the LCHS marching band, the 30th edition in school history, is made up of 52 student members - 12 seniors, 12 juniors, eight sophomores, nine freshmen and 11 seventh- and eighth-graders. The Crusaders are fronted by senior student director Margaret Bila, senior assistant student director John Martin, sophomore brass section leader Oliver Parrish, junior woodwind section leader Samuel Parrish, senior percussion section leader Lain Weitzel, sophomore front ensemble section leader Helen Olmsted, junior color guard section leader Nicoletta Kiefer and senior feature twirler Alixandria Maumus.

The Crusaders work hard, support each other and continually seek to get better.

"This group of students is the most dedicated group I've ever seen," said Pekarik. "They've gone through very hard times and only come out stronger and more compassionate. They're dedicated to their friends in the band."

"We don't compete anymore; we're not trying to win a title," said Margaret. "Our goal is to develop each other as musicians, put on a good show and represent our school."

The LCHS marching band opened its 2024 campaign on Aug. 23 with a performance at the Crusaders' home football game against Camp Hill. It was one of 10 shows that the Crusaders will perform at football games this year.

In addition, LCHS will perform at four marching band showcases this season: Saturday, Sept. 21, at Lampeter-Strasburg; Thursday, Oct. 10, at its own LCHS Home Showcase; Saturday, Oct. 19, at Ephrata; and Saturday, Oct. 26, at McCaskey. The band will celebrate the conclusion of the campaign with an in-house breakfast and Mass on Oct. 26.

"I think band is the closest thing to being a second family," said Pekarik. "These kids are together for years. We want them to learn discipline. We want them to be early, to be on time. We want them to make themselves better, not just for themselves but for the entire band. It's building a lot of good character. I want them to feel that their parts matter."

The LCHS marching band's eight-minute, three-part field show is titled "Eve," after the Old Testament first woman who defied God's command and committed the original sin. The show incorporates elements of pop music and traditional hymns.

"We don't have to do a Catholic theme," said Pekarik. "But because these students are so faith-based, we wanted to incorporate religious things into the show. Our practices have focused on making a clean show for the performances. We hope the kids realize how important (practice) is, just having pride in making it perfect. I think they really enjoy the camaraderie that comes from the rehearsals."