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High school marching band showcases expanded season and scholarship wins

Saint Croix School District Board · November 21, 2025

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Summary

High school band director Sean Connolly recapped a season that added performances and judge feedback, reported a Youth in Music scholarship awarded to senior Lily Schuman, and said student fundraising of about $1,600 will support program needs.

At the Nov. 19 board meeting, high school band director Sean Connolly summarized the marching season, describing the 2025 show 'Suite with Psycho' (including music by Ava Max and selections from Harry Potter and Lady Gaga) and a schedule that added a Cumberland festival performance and a finals appearance at US Bank Stadium.

Connolly said the extended schedule provided students additional feedback from adjudicators and cited year-to-year improvements on judges’ rubrics. He highlighted a Youth in Music scholarship (established in memory of John Hugen) that was awarded to senior drum major Lily Schuman for a standout essay and leadership, and noted the band raised approximately $1,600 in free-will donations at community events.

Students who spoke at the meeting described leadership growth, new choreography and technical innovations (including extended backfield and facing maneuvers) that expanded the ensemble’s production and scoring ceiling. Connolly also credited a student teacher, percussion coach Nick McCarthy, for strengthening the drumline and said the program hopes to add a color guard technician funded partly by summer rehearsal or community education revenue.

Board members praised the students’ work and the program’s community support; Connolly said the band hopes to host visiting ensembles again and continue building competitive opportunities for students.