For the first time in over 20 years, the Highland Park High School Marching Band has received a major upgrade: brand-new drumline harnesses.
A word that characterizes Highland Park High School’s student experience is the word “spirit.” Whether with its seasonal pep rallies or monthly celebrations honoring different groups in our school, HPHS always has a moment that brings us together. And nothing brings a better opportunity than the energy during football season. A moment when students can dress in theme, chant for our team, and display GIANT values.
But behind the energy and vibes of the season is our very own HPHS’s marching band, from their celebratory halftime performances to their enthusiastic and loud cheers in the stands. And now with new equipment, our drumline has better ease to play and overall improves the sound and energy of the band.
Drumline harnesses are what connect the drums to the players, allowing them to march and to move. But until this season, the band has had the same equipment since it was purchased in 2002, making the equipment older than all members of the band.
Though the equipment was brand new then, 23 years later, the equipment has taken a major hit and is outdated and unusable. The equipment has given the drumline some bad surprises, like things breaking down unexpectedly or needing to duct tape parts together before a halftime show. With such equipment, attention was taken away from making music and having fun with friends to hoping that the drum wouldn’t fall during a performance.
Rachel Bass, one of the current section leaders of the drum line, shares how she believes that “this [upgrade improves the] comfort, safety, and the overall quality of entertainment we provide for the student body.” With the new purchases of this equipment, the drumline has felt a significant improvement in comfort in how they play and perform.
This is just the beginning; drumline members can also expect to receive in the 2026-2027 school year brand-new drums which will significantly help the band’s overall sound and performance energy.
Anyone who wants to see the drumline in action with their new equipment can see them at the next home football game on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at kickoff, which starts at 1:00 pm.
