Between games to get to know everyone and a scavenger hunt to help future students become familiar with the campus, the band icebreaker is meant to establish new friendships and encourage comradery.

Over the weekend, the band leadership positions for the 2026-27 school year were announced, such as section leaders, president and vice president. Since the results came out, the leaders of each instrument group have been working on ideas for how their section could bond while also including everyone at the icebreaker.

“What’s different about each year is [that] the section leaders are in charge of coming up with icebreaker games [with] ways that [can get] students to know one another [and] learn each other’s names,” band director Brian Kuperman said. “The section leaders try to come up with a different idea each year.”

Sophomore Caitlyn Shaffer was introduced as the band president, and made it her mission to boost morale when so many new students did not know one another.

“I introduced myself to a couple of the different sections [and said] ‘if you need anything, feel free to reach out,’” Shaffer said.

Since the event occurs every school year, the band directors, Brian and Brad Kuperman, try to make each time unique. Though going to the icebreaker is mainly to get to know the future bandmates, the Kupermans also sent them on a journey to discover the next marching show.

“The scavenger hunt is a way that the Kupermans get us to find out the show theme for next year, and it sets the precedent for what the year is going to be like,” Shaffer said.

During the scavenger hunt, band members were split into different groups, ensuring that everyone got to meet others outside of their section. After everyone was given a starting clue that led them somewhere on campus, they were led to other clues to what the show would be for the upcoming year.

After the winners of the scavenger hunt were announced, the band crowded around the Kupermans to listen as they revealed the 2026 marching band show.

A bit of the future show was played on the speakers, and the theme, Fire and Flames, was announced. Unlike past years when all the music came from a specific artist, movie or show, this time it will be a mix of songs, including the main theme from “Game of Thrones”, “Girl On Fire” by Alicia Keys, and “Hot in Here” by Nelly.

“I’m super excited for the show,” Shaffer said. “Next season is going to be really great with all of the new people, and I’m excited for what’s to come.”