In the fall of 2023, the nearly 60 members of the Conestoga Valley High School (CVHS) marching band will all be moving "In the Grid" - not the usual gridiron on the football field, however. "In the Grid" is the title of the band's fall drill, which will take band members metaphorically into a computer and out again.

Band members who practiced the drill the week of Aug. 7 through 11, began the day with stretching exercises in the parking lot before working to master the steps set to original music. Students practiced from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day except Friday when they met from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then enjoyed a pool party later in the day. The band is directed by Aaron Magaro.

Drum major Katarina Lingo described the show as concept-driven rather than character-driven, noting that the theme is based on delving into a digital world where there is no life. Along with Jacquelyn Kelley, unit major of wind instruments and color guard, and Dana Brieck, percussion major in charge of front ensemble and drumline, Lingo discussed how the four movements - called "circuits" - take band members from a cohesive unit to isolation and then return them to unity. Brieck said that the color guards are the protagonists, so they remain unified throughout the show. Lingo called the final movement an "escape link." Instruments that will be featured include the saxophone and mellophones, along with trumpets. A trumpet solo by Micah Hoover will stand out in the second movement. "It's really pretty," said Lingo of the solo. "It shows how lonely it is (in the computer)." Pit percussion members will be featured in the beginning and near the end of the show, and duos and trios of guard members may perform together. Kelley showed enthusiasm for the drill, noting, "There's a lot of room for choreography."

In addition to performing at CVHS home and away football games, the band will take part in a number of competitions, including events at CVHS on Saturday, Sept. 16; one at Eastern York High School on Saturday, Sept. 30; Conestoga High School in Berwyn on Saturday, Oct. 21; and Manheim Central High School on Saturday, Oct. 28, as well as the Cavalcade of Bands at Warwick High School on Saturday, Nov. 4.

To keep the mood positive during long practice days, leaders organized the Band Olympics, which included throwing old drumheads discus-style and guard poles like javelins. Dress-up theme days included a day to dress like a staff member, superhero day, Disney classics day, and a CVHS spirit day.