Eastern Marching Vikings Band
The Eastern Marching Vikings Band was established in 1965, and is one of the largest student organizations at Eastern. The unforgettable experiences and everlasting friendships that are formed are reason enough for a band member to return each season - read what these Marching Vikings students have to say...
Laura Ebersole (Trumpet, Class of 2023) shared the impact of the marching band, “Definitely all the friendships I’ve made. They made transitioning into freshman year so much easier, and I can always count on them whether we’re on the field or not.”
Eastern Marching Vikings Instrumentalists
Within the Marching Vikings, we have the following instrumental sections: Woodwinds, Brass, Pit/Front Line Percussion and Marching Battery - that are lead each year by the Drum Major.
Arianna Reischer (Drum Major, 2019), describes that special role - “it’s about leadership, responsibility, and above all, making sure everyone feels accepted and important to this activity.”
Color Guard
Our color guard is an integral part of our marching band. They add life to our music, provide stunning visualizations and help us tell story to our audience with complex flag, rifle and sabre work and dance elements.
“When I first joined, I wasn’t on any teams in middle school or anything,” said Lydia Tate (Guard Captain, Class of 2019) when describing her time with the guard, “it gave me an overwhelming sense of community and friendship that I loved and has been so rewarding.”
Now let's show you a snapshot of:
A Year in the Life of a Marching Viking....
What happens: June - August
Summer Practice
Starting in July and until school begins in September, we have scheduled practices during the week for each section and full ensemble.
Participating in the Eastern Marching Vikings Band is a great way to get to know lots of your fellow students in all grades -- even before school starts! Plus, being at Eastern during summer band camp will help you to get to know the school building better too.
Band Camp
Band camp is every year in August. It is the most work and most fun you will have in a week! A typical day at Band Camp includes a variety of activities to help the band members learn the show and grow as a team. The season’s show music and drill are practiced daily. Sectional rehearsals and drill clinics help with specific skills.
It’s not all work and no play though! Team bonding events such as wall of water (with the Voorhees fire company), theme days, and the "Golden Dinkle" award - give the band members some opportunities to make some new friends and great memories.
Parent Preview
At the end of band camp in August - it's time for our parent preview. This is an opportunity for friends and family members to see what their band student(s) has accomplished. It is also an opportunity for new families to meet some of our 'seasoned' families.
August - November
Football Games
During football season, the marching band attends every football game, both home and away, and enhances the football experience by playing music in the stands and marching a show at half-time of the home games.
Senior Night
Late in the football season Eastern Regional High School recognizes the football team, cheerleader team, and the Marching Vikings' graduating seniors.
Marching Band Competitions
In addition to the halftime shows and pep band performances for the Football games -- the Eastern Marching Vikings band participates in local and regional competitions on most Saturdays in September to November.
Hours of preparation, practice and hard work boils down to a 7-8 minute performance where everyone does more than they ever thought they were capable of doing - together as a team.
Jake Cunningham, (Drumline, Class of 2024), shared these words on his experience. “You have your good runs, and you have your bad runs but the energy of being on a football field or a super loud gym with hundreds of people watching and cheering makes all the hard work worth it, without question.”
Eastern Marching Vikings - 2022 Competition Season - "Linked"
November - May
Take a quick break (you deserve it). Catch up on your sleep or binge-watching Netflix....
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Okay, break's over - now on to the Indoor Season!!!
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But first, continue scrolling on this page - through May and June...
May
Parades
Each year, the Marching Vikings take part in the Memorial Day Parades in Voorhees and Gibbsboro. One of the ceremonies each year takes place at the Joseph E. Lauer (Class of 1967) Memorial in Gibbsboro.
Parties
Our last event of the school year is the spring banquet. Everyone from both Indoor and Outdoor programs and their families join together for an evening to celebrate the year's accomplishments.
Senior Scholarships and other awards are an important part of the night...
...And so is dancing - lots and lots of dancing!
June
We say goodbye to the graduating Seniors and say hello to the start of a new season! Another year in the life of an Eastern Marching Viking begins....
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Okay - NOW you can go check out the Indoor Season pages....