Once the drills are written, they are rehearsed by those in the marching band, repeatedly day after day during band camp. There are other performers added to the mix — color guard members and even actors this year — playing medieval characters in what has turned into more of a production.

Each year’s show is built around a theme, but Mifflin County continues to push the proverbial envelope each year with costumes and other props. Band members promote the theme with costume t-shirts, sporting the title and a fluorescent “Medusa” head this year.

Those associated with the program might still hear the American Pie movie joke, “This one time, at band camp …” After 26 years, it never gets old to a “bandie.”

The hard work put in during those dogdays of August — with the sweat and sore feet — will pay off with a spectacular show on opening night. The members march on, all the while telling a story to those in the stands who follow along with each perfect note.

Photo courtesy of MIFFLIN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT The Marching Huskies pose for a group photo with all of their awards from the Tournament of Bands 2025 Group 3A Atlantic Coast Championship.

They were led by a new director of bands — Brandon Kahley — who was charged with carrying on the legacy of a program that had reached unbelievable heights under longtime director Art Belfiore.

Kahley embraced the challenge, crediting Belfiore with getting the program to the pinnacle of success as well as the many parents and other music boosters that work tirelessly behind the scenes each week. They volunteered their time and energy to ensure the Marching Huskies have what they need to succeed.

This year also proved extra special as those in the Marching Huskies got to march on a field that was fit for a champion, which they have become time and time again. Kish Bank Field at Donald M. Chapman III Stadium proved to be the perfect stage for the band.

The countless hours of marching, rehearsing, counting, polishing brass and cleaning woodwind instruments, the long bus rides home after Friday night football under the lights and the early morning trips to the competitions.

It all came together for one group of students and staff on Sunday at Hersheypark Stadium as the Marching Huskies captured the Tournament of Bands 2025 Group 3A Atlantic Coast Championship, with a score of 90.17. It marked Mifflin County’s fourth Championship title in eight years.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the hard work the students have put into the program this year,” Kahley said. “From seeing the beginnings of it in June to where we ended up as ACC champs this year was an amazing ride.

“Whether or not we returned with the win, I know that the students won,” Kahley added.

The Marching Huskies received a champions’ welcome home from Mifflin County, complete with a parade of fire trucks to escort them back to the high school on Sunday. It was supposed to recognize last weekend’s state championship performance in Altoona.

It turned out that there were two titles to celebrate: Pennsylvania and Atlantic Coast Championship crowns.

When the buses rolled into the high school, the reception was certainly fit for a champion, with fire truck horns blasting and well-wishers lining the walkways to the high school, cheering as the Marching Huskies as they walked with hardware in hand. There would be one more gathering in the band room — one final group picture with the champions assembled.

The Atlantic Coast Championship banner was front and center, along with the other awards. The smiles were unmistakable. There was really never a doubt that this group was special and tuned in for this moment. They consistently performed all season long.

Hershey proved to be a celebration for a championship season. The Marching Huskies performed a show that proved sweeter than the aroma of chocolate in the air, leaving it all on the field and taking home the Atlantic Coast Championship.

Mifflin County was also honored with special awards for High Music, Best Auxiliary and Best Percussion.

Achievements aren’t always measured by scores or the haul of trophies, Kahley explained.

“They were able to grow as musicians and as people,” he said. “The program’s goal isn’t to win; it’s to create an atmosphere where can share the wonderful experience that is the arts.”

This marked the 53rd Open and A Class Atlantic Coast Championships, presented by the Tournament of Bands and the National Judges Association.

The Marching Huskies proved they were the cream of the crop, competing against other states as well as DuBois Area High School, which last week had finished as the state runner-up.

Mifflin County was cheered on by a large crowd of fans in Hershey as the Marching Huskies performed their marvelous show “Medusa.”

It was a scary performance — scary good. One that certainly proved championship worthy for this band of Marching Huskies.