This school year, 2025–26, marks the 60th year of the Lincoln High School marching band, family members and former participants told the Sioux Falls School District 49-5 during public comments.

The remarks focused on the band’s history and multigenerational ties to Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls, including multiple appearances in national parades. Commenters noted appearances in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as well as invitations to the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena and the Hollywood Christmas Parade in Los Angeles.

"Macy's in February, and that was phenomenal. I mean, you're a 15 year old by yourself in New York City with no parents, and it was super fun. And it's a memory that I will have forever," Commenter 2, Resident, said, recounting a band trip to New York City. Commenter 2 also said the group experienced unusually cold weather on one trip but recalled sightseeing and time spent together.

Family members identified in comments said the band has connected generations. Commenter 1, Resident, said that although Lincoln High opened 60 years ago during the 2024–25 school year, the marching band did not begin until the following year, which is why the band program is counting its 60th anniversary in 2025–26. Commenter 1 also recounted that two sisters, Lindsay and Allie Becker, attended Macy’s parade appearances in 2000 and 2008 and that their father, Don Becker, had been in some of the earliest Lincoln bands.

"Those first 3 notes just hold such a special place in my heart," Commenter 4, Resident, said, describing how a signature musical phrase in the Lincoln program helped connect students across decades and influenced instrument choices in the family.

A longer recollection from Commenter 3, Resident, described the early band years as largely focused on local parades and halftime shows, saying the program in his era was "strictly a band" without competitions. He noted playing at local college events and attending Dakota Days, and said he graduated in 1972 and was in the school's fifth graduating class.

Speakers emphasized the extracurricular and social benefits of participation. "It's become a way of life," Commenter 3 said, describing the time commitments and camaraderie that band members experience. Younger participants described confidence gained from practice and competition, and multiple speakers referenced shared family memories tied to travel and performances.

No formal actions, motions, or votes related to school funding or program changes were recorded in the transcript of these remarks. The comments were presented as personal recollections and reflections on the program's history and family impact.

Speakers also expressed a wish that other Sioux Falls schools continue to grow their music programs and preserve the multigenerational culture the Lincoln band has developed.

The public-comment segment concluded with several speakers noting that attending national parades and longstanding traditions created lasting memories and a shared identity for multiple generations of Lincoln band members.