The CHS Marching Band is a huge part of music, entertainment and Lancer pride on campus. From performing at the halftime show of the football games to competing nationally, the Marching Lancers are the face of school spirit. Bringing their music and fiery disposition, they make the games a night no one will soon forget. 

“I think we’re important because, like the marching band, we have been here since 1957,” senior band leader Linh Do said. “We’ve been here for such a long time, and we have participated in the Lancer Parade and all that stuff. So I feel like the marching is really like one big factor to the music and the part of Carlsbad.”

While at the football games, the marching band plays their fight song and gets the crowd pumped up for the plays, making it a fun and diverting experience.

“During the football games, I would say their goal is to entertain,” band teacher Peter Manzi said. “Their primary role in that is, you know, playing for the crowd, playing for the team and really cheering on our team.” 

The band doesn’t just come up with routines on the spot. They practice for hundreds of hours outside of school to perfect their shows and songs.

“We practice like playing the music that we have to learn, we learn how to do like basic marching techniques and we practice putting the show together,” Do said. “Sometimes we have this thing called Drill, where we have to march to certain spots on the field to make a shape. So basically, we just keep repeating that process until we build one entire show of like 7-8 minutes.” 

Not only does the marching band perform at Carlsbad, they also perform around the country. They compete in nationwide competitions every year with a special theme for each one.

“My favorite competition theme actually until this year would probably be my 2015 show called Drive, but this year’s show was just really something special, and I’m really excited to see the final product,” Manzi said.

Through their competition shows, the Marching Lancers can express themselves and tell a story with their music and performance.

“My favorite marching band competition theme was probably last year’s. It was a 2022 show and we had the theme of a crow, where we kinda incorporated the swan lake theme into our whole show,” Do said. “So it was like a contrast between a crow that’s supposed to be all intense and dark, where a swan is supposed to be all majestic and everything, so I really enjoyed showing that contrast to the audience.”

Manzi, the band teacher for ten years, puts in a lot of work to manage and direct the team. Though he puts in many hours, he believes it is all worth it.

“I love the students I get to work with, it’s really unique to get to see them come in as freshmen and graduate as seniors, and really being part of that group over the four years,” Manzi said. “I really get to know them and be there for them throughout their four years of high school.” 

The Marching Lancers represent our school in a loud and proud way, making them an easily perceptible and notable part of the community.

“I think we’re one of the most visible groups on campus,” Manzi said. “Not only can you see us, but you can hear us.”