Tea Area High School’s marching band prepares for a vibrant and expansive season

The Tea Area High School marching band is set to dazzle audiences with an expanded lineup and an innovative show theme for the upcoming season. Under the direction of Stephanie Wranek, the band has grown from 84 members last year to approximately 110 this year, promising a more robust and dynamic performance.

The 2024 show, titled “Colors,” features a unique theme designed to celebrate the spectrum of the rainbow. Composed by Randall Standridge, the show is divided into three movements representing different colors. The first movement, Red/Orange, incorporates a Spanish-inspired theme. The second, Blue/Purple, explores jazzy and bluesy elements, while the third movement, Yellow/Green, culminates in a metallic sound that recaps the entire color spectrum.

This season, the band will debut several new props, thanks to support from the school district and contributions from Todd Gannon and his welding class. The inclusion of graphic panels on the field will add a visual dimension to the performances, enhancing the overall experience for audiences.

The band has been diligently preparing for the season with weekly sectionals throughout the summer and an intensive two-week band camp in late July and early August. This preparation has been crucial as they transition into more field marching, a new venture for both the students and Wranek, who is also learning alongside them.

“Our goal this year is just to improve our knowledge of field marching. We are beginners, including myself. I have never taught field marching so I’m learning right along with the students,” said Wranek. “Last year we went to one competition at the very end of the season just so we could all see what it was like and we got some great feedback from the judges and we hope to build off of that for this year.”

The band’s primary goal for the season is to enhance their understanding of field marching. Building on the feedback received from last year’s competition, the band aims to improve their skills and performance quality. Their season will include a mix of street and field competitions, starting with Homecoming on September 27. They will also participate in the Tri-State Music Festival in Luverne, MN, along with events in Menno, Festival of Bands, Yankton, and USD’s indoor competition.

Instead of spotlighting individual soloists, this year’s performances will feature small student ensembles, showcasing the collective talent of the band. 

“The music itself is exciting and fun to listen to and they enjoy playing it,” said Wranek. “We have over 40 freshmen in the band and I think they are excited just to get to learn what field marching is all about.”

Support from the community has been overwhelming, with music boosters providing treats and new equipment, and parents actively involved in transportation and chaperoning. 

“We already have a lot of supporters out there. Our music boosters have donated treats for the kids at band camp and are purchasing some new podiums for us. Lots of parents have been bringing kids to and from practices all summer and during our camp,” said Wranek. 

“When competitions start I know we will have a huge following of parents to serve as chaperones and supporters and whatever else I ask of them because they are all just as excited about the season as the kids are.  As for everyone else, we just love to hear you out there cheering us on. It’s just like a sporting event, the kids are going to feed off of our audiences hype. If everyone is cheering and clapping for us as we march, that will fill us up with Titan Pride and we will feed off that to give you our best performance possible!”

Members of the Tea Area High School Marching Band include: 

3 Drum Majors:  Madalyn Havlin, Sage Fanning, Skylynn Broesder

14 Colorguard:  Kapri Drewes, Claire Hank, Harper Heier, Ashlyn Karpinen, Gabby Kubik, Grace Preheim, Breslyn Rand, Rachel Row, Savanna Stahnke, Elizabeth Stange, Avi Steen, Kaelee Taylor, Grace Vandenhoek, Leah Walder

3 Banner Carriers:   Brisia Natereno Padron, Owen Woodring, Tai Lyle

8 Flutes:  Addalyn Ackerman, Mira Heier, Gracie Kramer, Harley Mullinoux, Bella Preheim, Mya Roman, Audrina Schaaf, Allie Wallum

14 Clarinets:  Hannah Broughton, Sam Bullis, Lily Graham, Jayla Haroldsen, Zaiden Johnson, Sophie Larson, Madysen Markhart, Alyssa McDaniel, Kiarra Osterman, Jaden Sedlacek, Trista Smith, Kairis Thomas, Kylia Voigt, Sarah Wilson

12 Alto Saxophones:  Joey Anderson, Kimberlee Brockberg, Logan Castle, Natalie Gass, Vanessa Halling, Devon Kruger, Elena Mehlbrech, Hadley Rand, Jannah Ricaldi, Will Roberts, Myranda Schnasa, Gabriel Woodis

3 Tenor Saxophones:  Benjamin Grunewaldt, Korbyn Kistler, Mathew Oye

3 Bari Saxophones:  Tristan Bogenrief, Dawson Bunkofske, Trenton Stroman

3 Mellophones:  Lexie Hawkey, Claire Hyronimus, Ethan McGrew

7 Trumpets:  Riley Clark, Carly Corner, Taylor Lowe, Kyle Simpson, Kade VanDePol, Caleb Vandewalle, Kassidy Wranek

2 Baritones:  Dom Bartscher, Corbin Sheffield

15 Trombones:  Landon Biddle, Natalie Bien, Tyson DeYoung, Daniel Donato, Mason Graves, Noah Korver, Dawson Lowery, Thiik Lual, Arden McGraw, Zach Moreno, Andrew Schmidt, Cassie Waltner, Luke Wharton, Jeremiah Wilgers, Beau Wranek

3 Sousaphones:  Gabriel Bastemeyer, Isaac Burrack, Kage Olson

20 Percussionists:  Jaden Knodel, Lola Lopez, Jacob Mueller, Remington Jacobson, Ryker Cerney, Reegan Dose, Daphne Decker, Meredith Decker, Delainey Burrack, Kenadi O’Neill, Mathew Birger, Isaac Bullis, Ensel McGraw, Jesse Godber, Lauren Semmler, Aleah Steinberg, Slater Wilson, Lilian Turek, Peyton Parker, Jesse Bridgins