Stands full of people erupt into cheers as a single band member, one who five years ago stepped onto the field to perform for the first time, holds her mallets at her sides, takes a deep breath in, and sits in the surreal feeling of her final performance.

Throughout her high school years, and even a few years before that, senior Lori Tanner has devoted herself to band. Her marching band career began in 2021, but not where one would think. Tanner joined the indoor drumline during her seventh-grade year, rather than her ninth, and was a battery percussionist and played the flub drum.

Following her first year in the drumline, Tanner joined the marching band. During Tanner’s first year in the marching band, she played the synth for the front ensemble. It was during her second indoor season that Tanner was moved up to center marimba.

“I used to not know how to play mallet instruments,” Tanner said. “I couldn’t read the music. They said, ‘Do you want to play this mallet instrument,’ and I was like, ‘Okay, how?’”

As the seasons and Tanner’s career progressed, the marching band found success in every division they were placed in. The marching band has a five-year winning streak in the championship of their division for each season. The indoor drumline also won twice during her career.

A core effect of her years in the marching band and drumline was how she changed and grew as a person.

“It taught me how to talk to people, function as a human being, and it brought me out of my shell,” Tanner said. “It does that for a lot of kids. It gives you community that you are actually willing to function with and be with. I think that’s the most important part.”

During Tanner’s junior year, she became a section leader and took up a leadership role. Section leaders have many different responsibilities, but Tanner had a specific job that she “claimed.”

“My favorite memory… I always loved packing the trailers,” Tanner said. “It’s my thing, really.”

As a section leader, Tanner impacted many of the underclassmen she taught. Freshman Samantha Depew was a first-hand witness to Tanner’s growth and leadership in the band.

“Lori helped me learn and grow both as a musician and a person,” Depew said. “She has taken on many challenges and handled them with great care. Her work within our group has improved our band in more ways than you could imagine.”

With graduation coming, one would assume Tanner’s time in the band room would be coming to an end, but that is not the case. Tanner plans to return as an instructor for the marching band to assist the front ensemble for the next two seasons.

Fellow front ensemble members were glad to learn that Tanner would be coming back. Freshman Jacs Bankert emphasized her excitement that Tanner would return.

“I was glad to learn Lori would come back,” Bankert said. “I know she prides herself in seeing us improve, and she has always been an amazing teacher, so her returning is a great thing for the group.”