Students from Northwestern Lehigh High School and some middle schoolers spent several weeks before the beginning of the school year learning band music and practicing for the field show they would perform during this year’s football games.

The students began by learning the drill positions on the field by counting beats, followed by singing their parts as they marched.

Once band director, James Lykins and Drum Major Jess Eberle say they are ready, band members pick up their instruments, flags and batons and play the music as they march.

This year, the band is featuring the music of Chicago: “Saturday in the Park,” “Make Me Smile,” “25 or 6 to 4” and “Does Anybody Really Know What Time it is?”

Eberle was not sure she wanted to be in the band when she was a freshman but decided she would try.

Halfway through the season, she watched the drum major from her position on the field.

“I want to be up there some day,” she said.

The marching band is under the leadership of Lykins, Nancy Riggins, assistant director; Nancy Gross, second assistant director; Jennifer Mease, color guard instructor; and Donna Pachacek, twirler instructor.

Band members are represented by Eberle, Ross Mather, president; Kelci Knirnschild, vice president; Darren Dengler, secretary; and Jennifer Lindtner, treasurer.

The band wants to go this year to Walt Disney World to perform and the booster club is working hard to organize fundraisers and events to raise money for the trip.

The band is currently having a Kauffman Chicken fundraiser.

They are offering half a chicken, baked potato, applesauce and a cookie.

Orders need to be picked up on Oct. 22.

To order, call 484-857-2515.

Band Boosters members include Sean King, president; Dennis Dengler, vice president; Natalie King, secretary; and Deborah Frey, treasurer.