The Colony High School Band unveiled its new Marching show – Scorched. A volcanic-themed performance that erupts with intensity, sound and aggressiveness.

Band Director Michael Larkin had a series of thoughts of the creation of the show

“Originally I wanted to do a show around the idea of an aboriginal rainforest tribe, a tribalist-type feel, which sort of sent us down a rabbit hole as we were looking for the theme,” said Larkin. “Instead of representing a culture, we wanted to represent something within that culture.”

The show leans into a more intense theme. 

“Scorched is dark, but not negative dark—it’s dark in that it’s a volcano erupting, nobody’s dying or anything but the land is getting scorched,” Larkin said. 

Larkin makes sure to prioritize standing out from other bands “When somebody sees us, they can say, ‘Man, that group is aggressive, and they are really going after it.’,”

Marching band students have their own visuals on how Scorched will take shape on the field this season, with the return of old show elements—like props from their last state-qualifying show Rite of Passage in 2017 and more. Custom costumes, a tradition last featured in their show Seraph four years ago.

“I’m excited for every marching show, but this year especially—since we get new uniforms and we’re bringing back some stuff from our last state year,” said Sophomore Lindsey Mihalovich. “I’m excited for the props.”

Mihalovich envisions a dramatic scene for Scorched. 

“What I visualize when I think of our show is definitely a lot of red and fire,” she said. “The spears (from Rite of Passage) that we may dance with—I’m very excited for that. It’s going to look cool, especially because we’re going to have new uniforms.”

The band will be featuring a new look for the first time since 2021. 

Freshmen Caitlyn Peck said she was thrilled when she found out elements from Rite of Passage would return. 

“I’ve watched the 2017 performance like 20 times, and I see a lot of that in this show. We’re about to be flipping these spears, we’re about to be screaming in the middle of the show!”

Peck expects the music and visual atmosphere of Scorched to feel raw and wild. 

“I imagine the music to be really cool—like, earthy. It’s not gonna sound pretty. It’s gonna sound ugly, but in a cute way!”

Junior Drum major Eli Nelson has a fiery image in mind for Scorched.

“From what I’ve heard, it’s about tribes and volcanoes,” he said. “So I’m thinking fire, I also know there’s spears—like caveman stuff.”

Students and staff are not only eager to bring Scorched to life—they’re also looking ahead to the new experience, from working with a new assistant band director and to welcoming fresh faces to the field.

“I’m definitely looking forward to learning the music and getting back into drill—I really missed marching,” said Mihalovich. “I’m also excited and a little nervous to see what the new assistant band director brings.”

“I’m really looking forward to learning the show and watching everyone improve throughout the season—especially with such a cool theme,” Nelson said. “I’m excited to see how the show progresses and what happens as the year goes on.”

“I’m looking forward to all the freshmen freaking out at first,” Peck said with a laugh. “I’ll be like, ‘No, it’ll be okay, it’s going to be fine,’ and they’ll be like, ‘No, Caitlyn, you’re wrong!’ But by the end of the season, they’ll be saying, ‘Yes! I enjoy it here,’ and we’ll all be jumping around in a circle screaming hallelujah.”

Peck’s enthusiasm is shared with Larkin, who is eager to see how the show will take shape by the end.

“By the end it’s realized in a way that’s more vivid than you could ever imagined. It just comes to life in front of your eyes.” Larkin said. 

The Colony High School Band is ready to bring Scorched to life by incorporating elements from their previous state year alongside their fresh new look.