By Mackenzie Arthur / staff writer
The 2025 New Palestine Marching Dragons presented a show titled “A Method to the Madness.” The idea of “madness” in the show is telling the story of having so much drive for something that it takes over everything. Through three different movements, “A Method to the Madness” tells the story of intense enthusiasm and craving for something you are passionate about.
The Marching Dragons are led by senior lead drum major Lillian Buist and drum majors junior Malina Kehn and sophomore Maren Kehn. Alongside them are a group of student leaders, from section captains to loading crew, everyone has an impact on the success of the band.
“I have a lot of really great support. I mean the other two drum majors are absolutely amazing. We are able to really support each other in that team. We can bounce ideas off of each other and work well together. I’m really thankful for that great team. Our entire leadership team is really great. They all want to see the band do well. I feel like there’s a lot of support there,” Buist said.
The Marching Dragons leadership teams consist of different students who all are working towards the same goal: completing tasks and having fun.
“All the new people are going to look up to us, the leaders. If we are dedicated and if we are getting to the task and getting it done, they will see that and be like ‘okay that’s how it’s done, I need to do it just like that.’ Then they will just go from there,” senior head brass captain Conner Flanagan said.
The Marching Dragons earned 2nd place at Westfield and 6th place at Avon. Their Greenwood competition was canceled due to rain. On Oct. 18, the Marching Dragons competed at ISSMA regionals. Here they received a gold rating and a spot to compete in the semi-state competition at Pike High School on Nov. 1 where their season ended.
The Marching Dragons spend countless hours perfecting their performance. Even time outside of rehearsal is spent practicing their art.
“Percussion in particular this year, they all want to be there. They all want to work hard. I ride the same bus as them, too. After what would have been our second competition, we got there and it got canceled because of rain. On the way back they were all drumming together, like to the show. It’s not that they haven’t had that before but this year in particular I’m seeing especially with that section that they really, really have a great drive. They want to do better and they want to work hard. I think that really reflects the band as a whole. They all have a desire to work harder and be better,” Buist said.
At Whiteland, the Marching Dragons received a gold rating with distinction in music, visuals and effect.
On Oct. 25 the Marching Dragons competed at the Whiteland invitational. They
received 4th place and earned their highest score of the season. This competition was a non-ISSMA competition.
“It’s definitely made me think that everyone’s lives aren’t the same. Whatever sport you’re doing, it is hard mentally. It definitely made me grow mentally,” sophomore color guard captain Elizabeth Thrasher said.
In rehearsals, the Marching Dragons split up and work on different pieces with their sections. During these times, students form stronger bonds and create fun memories.
“The funnest thing so far has definitely been sectionals, when we practice with our section. I’ve had a lot of fun with my section, just making inside jokes, but still being able to get a lot done,” junior brass captain Allison Windisch said.
Practicing hard while enjoying the activity is something that the Marching Dragons strive to do.
“I think everyone has people they can talk to. I go to the band room after school sometimes and you can just see that there’s a community there. And it’s apparent this year in particular. I’m obsessed with the culture this year. This is probably the best season we have had that I’ve been a part of,” Buist said.
The Marching Dragons are getting as many reps in as possible in preparation for their upcoming semi-state competition. Although they will not advance to state, the Marching Dragons felt they had a successful performance at semi-state. The 2025 Marching Dragons created a community where everyone can feel welcome and accepted.
“It’s somewhere where I know I can be myself. I know I can bring out my nerdy side to a point. My appearance doesn’t matter as much. I can say what I want, joke around a lot, and be accepted. People laugh at my jokes and I appreciate it,” Windisch said.
