Every Friday night in the fall, under the stadium lights, fans witness the performances of band and drill team taking center stage.
The drill team has returned this year with seven members after having only four members in the 2021-22 school year and zero members last year. With the drill team’s return, Friday nights at BHS have become even more festive.
“I love Friday nights when school is done and I get to spend time with my friends in drill team and band on the field supporting Beachwood sports,” said sophomore Sasha Kheyfets, who is a member of the drill team.
With the infusion of fresh energy and innovative choreography, the drill team has reignited its spark, captivating audiences with their synchronized routines and impressive performances.
The new drill team coach Dana Kuenzel has big aspirations.
“My goal for the upcoming year is to get the word out about the drill team,” Kuenzel wrote in an email. “I would love to see the team grow… Right now we are still in the recruiting phase.”
“I plan to hold an informational session in the spring prior to tryouts,” she added. “I hope for a great turnout.”
Coach Kuenzel is proud of this year’s team and excited about the future.
So are the drill team members.
“I want us to get more opportunities to dance with the band outside of football games to encourage rising freshmen to join next year,” Kheyfets said.
In addition to the drill team, the band has also grown significantly over the past couple of years. With only 28 members two years ago, they now have 50.
The musicians have worked to hone their skills and foster teamwork.
“In addition to the focus on the repertoire that we’re playing and the activities that we’re doing, there’s also a really strong social bond between the students,” band director David Luddington said.
They support each other, and they are there [for each other] to help each person be successful.
— Band Director David Luddington
This year the band participated at a showcase at Lakewood High School on Sept. 23.
“I [was] so excited to play at Lakewood because we only get to do this once a year,” sophomore Mattie Spaller said.
The band performed three songs by Bon Jovi: You Give Love a Bad Name, Livin’ on a Prayer and Bad Medicine.
Band members were pleased with the performance.
In addition to the size increase, the morale within the band has also improved.
“They support each other, and they are there [for each other] to help each person be successful.” Luddington said.
Sophomore Lauren Nagy-Oleski said band members cheer for one another as they accomplish new goals.
“There’s no negativity,” she said. “There’s constant encouragement and positive reinforcement.”
Students look forward to traveling with the band once every two to four years.
“I think the performance travel opportunities are really key to the overall aspirational experiences that we really want to provide for our students,” Luddington said.
Last year, the band traveled to Disney World to perform and record on a Disney soundstage.
The students who went on that trip have a different outlook on band.
“I see band differently now,” Nagy-Oleski said. “Knowing that we get to travel every couple of years really makes me excited to go to band.”
