Members of the Manheim Township High School (MTHS) marching band were especially excited to be at band camp this year, noting that among the best moments were when they could high-five and hug each other. The 101 band members met at the high school on Aug. 9 through 13 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day to learn the 2021 fall drill.

This year's show, which will run more than seven minutes and feature seven space-oriented musical numbers, is called "Reach for the Stars." Students will begin with "Also Sprach Zarathustra," which is the theme from "2001: A Space Odyssey," by Richard Strauss, followed by the "Theme From Star Trek" by Alexander Courage and then the theme from "Star Trek 2009," by Michael Giacchino, and the "Theme From Apollo 13" by James Horner. The final three songs will be "Space Oddity" by David Bowie, "Satellite" by Dave Matthews Band, and "Rocket Man" by Elton John. To reflect the music, band members will form a number of shapes associated with outer space, including the "Star Trek" logo, a UFO shape, and a variety of constellations. Even the color guard uniforms will match the space theme as the students work with swing flags, 6-foot flags, and rifles. Lighting effects will also be part of the 2021 fall presentation.

Several band members will be in the spotlight during the show, including brass captain Ethan Brokaw, who will perform a trumpet solo at the beginning of "Space Oddity." In addition, Lily Barrall will perform trumpet solos during "Star Trek 2009," the original "Star Trek" theme, and on "Rocket Man." Janek Vedock will have a trumpet solo during "Apollo 13." Assistant color guard captain Priscille Juin will perform a quadruple rifle throw during the theme from "2001: A Space Odyssey," and color guard captain Caitlin Schaefer, and guard member Lily Kilgore will perform a duet during "Space Oddity." Color guard Dylan Luther will dance a solo in "Rocket Man." In addition, the band will perform a visual feature while the pit plays "Satellite."

Erin Gray, who shares drum major duties with Niamh McConnell, noted that the weather threatened to impede progress during band camp. "A lot of the challenge is keeping up our energy when it gets really hot and humid," she said. "We need to keep up the energy to stay productive."

To help keep spirits high, student leaders created fun themes for each day of band camp, including America Day, Twin Day, Wacky Wednesday, Tropical Thursday, and, on Friday, a special create-your-own T-shirt day for sections. To add to the energy through the week, percussion captain Conlin Sauder said that the drumline adds vocals at points where they do not play to make band members laugh. Gray reported that the section camaraderie has been especially fun.

MTHS band student leadership also includes band president and woodwind captain Saturna Toledo and vice president Noel Seitz.