Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in the Fall 2024 issue of Reflections. Click here to read the entire magazine.

Sarah Nemeth ‘25 remembers the uneasy feeling of walking into her first marching band practice before the start of her freshman year. Coming to Archbishop Carroll High School from a middle school with just two other classmates was intimidating, but she knew she made the right decision immediately. “All the seniors and leadership were at the door with really big smiles to welcome me to the program,” Nemeth said. “I loved how welcoming and inclusive they were. That was a really big fear of mine coming into the school – not being included or knowing anybody. They made it so easy. I wanted to stay as part of that community because of the seniors.”

Now, Nemeth has her opportunity to make an impact on the next group of nervous freshmen in the marching band and throughout the school. As the Drum Major for the Marching Patriots, Nemeth embraces multiple leadership roles for the program. Everyone who watches the group perform instantly spots her as she leads the band and guard on field as the conductor from her prominent spot on an elevated platform, but her responsibilities outside of the spotlight are just as crucial to the band’s success. “You’re there to uplift your band and represent them at performances. You’re the face of the band and put forth what your band is.”

Showing up on time, staying organized, and having a positive attitude throughout the duration of the season are some of the baseline expectations for every member of the program. Learning the basics of how to march and play under the hot July sun and refining every detail of the show with precision during November’s cold are taxing endeavors. Nemeth and the rest of the student leadership team create an environment and culture that enables the group to stay focused through difficult times and win big on the field. The Marching Patriots finish near the top of their division in their performance circuit annually. During the 2023 season, the group won a regional championship in the most prestigious national circuit, Bands of America, for their competition show, Open Mic.

“They push us to be our very best selves, and that’s why we’ve done so great the previous years,” Nemeth said. “Their support, expectations, encouragement, and kindness make for a very good environment.”

Leading a group of dozens of performers is a task that requires more than one student to step up, and the faculty directors of the program ensure that all the responsibility does not fall on just one person. Carl Soucek has been the Director of Bands since 2002 and has made student leadership a foundational pillar of the program. “The value of our leadership structure is equal to, if not greater than, the music pedagogy itself,” Soucek said. “By establishing a leadership team, students are empowered to help others in a variety of ways. The leadership team is heavily involved in the instruction of fundamental music and marching skills, character development with a strong focus on integrity, and social justice. They also plan activities for team building and faith formation.”

The impact that Soucek, Assistant Director Brooke Butler ‘17, and Guard Directors Lindsey Rhule ‘20 and Taylor Fenten ‘20 make on the students inspires them to give their best effort in every rehearsal and performance of the show.