Mack Hogan ’15

2013 has been a year of transition, success, and history for the Marching Eagles. The season began this summer, when the SEHS community welcomed back Mr. Angelo Kortyka ’98, alumnus and new director of the Marching Band. Mr. Kortyka, together with Ms. White, Mr. Zolkowski, and Mr. Etling, put together a show they entitled “Restless Night,” as produces the mood of an insomniac, using music from artists such as Carl Jenkins, Giacomo Puccini, and DJ Food. The Color Guard furthered the mood, wearing dark blue to emulate a night sky and waving flags with clocks on them to represent passing of time.

The show was a success. Loved by both the crowd and the judges, “Restless Night” secured for the band a Superior rating in the first competition, thereby qualifying the Marching Eagles for states. From there, the awards only continued. Percussion, led by Emily Hirzel (St. Joseph ’14) and Connor Higgins (St. Edward ’14), received commendation for excellence. The Color Guard, led by Katherine Medvec (St. Joseph ’15), Kaitlyn Poschner (St. Joseph ’14), and Jennifer Sattler (Magnificat ’14), helped to earn the band superior recognition in the Visual and Auxiliary categories. In addition, the Marching Eagles, under direction of Field Commander Brian Patton (St. Edward ’14), merited awards for best overall music. The Marching Band received all these honors at the first competition.

This success set the tone for what became a historic season. The Marching Eagles proceeded to receive a 1, the highest rating, in each competition of the regular season. At states, they soared, scoring another Superior rating. This made 2013 the Marching Eagle’s first perfect season in SEHS history; they received superior ratings at every competition they performed. From Nordonia to Warsaw [not Poland] and Columbus, the band’s countless hours of rehearsal proved their value as the Eagles captivated judges and spectators across the state.

Although their regular season is complete, the Marching Band will continue to play at football games, where they are directed by Adam Rawlings (St. Edward ’14), and at concert band. To watch the Marching Eagles perform their show “Restless Night,” go to http://youtu.be/0r-eEU2WJe4.