Journey, well-known for their 15-time platinum Greatest Hits album, has recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. Neal Schon, lead guitarist of Journey, said about the 50th anniversary tour, “Our fans are so loyal to us, and we have young fans now whose parents were fans of ours, and now they have their own kids who are coming to the concerts, too.” 

Long-time listener and Band Director, Mr. Andrew Kolejechick, wanted to commemorate their achievements by basing the 2024 Marching Spartans field show on the band. Band Director Andrew Kolejechick has been a longtime fan of Journey, and he used the marching show to share that enjoyment with newer generations. Mr. Kolejechick was a high school student at the peak of Journey’s career. 

“Gym class in high school; Mrs. Murman would play Journey in gym class.” 

Each marching band show is inspired by something, and in the case of the 2024 show, his idea was sparked by Journey’s Separate Ways. 

“At some point ‘Separate Ways’ came on the radio, and that was the genesis of it,” Band Director Mr. Kolejechick said. “I kind of realized too that it was 50 years of Journey, and it made me realize it was relevant.” 

During the summer, marching band members practice daily, often working several hours well into the day, perfecting their performance. Not only do the members of the band learn, but the faculty does as well. 

“It was a really fun show, it went over really well. I thought we definitely got to learn as a staff as well. I always enjoy seeing it become a living, breathing thing,” Mr. Kolejechick said. 

In order to produce a high-quality show, certain band members, called “drum majors,” work closely with the staff members. Drum majors are chosen yearly and act as role models for the rest of the band.

“It was great, it was really great, because when you are a drum major, you really get to help people and almost be a faculty member sometimes. You get to see other people mature, and that’s the best part,” Senior Drum Major Benjamin Isamoyer said. 

Without the dedication and passion of the band members and staff, especially the guidance of Mr. Kolojechick, the marching band show would not be such a huge success.