CHARLOTTE ROCKWELL
PHOTOGRAPHER
KAITRISS DEGROFT
STAFF WRITER
11/3/2025
The Kiltie Marching Band hosted their indoor show on November 1, 2025, beginning at 3:00 p.m. in the Heritage Center for the Performing Arts, Presbyterian Hall.
The concert featured the Marching Band, Pipe Band, Color Guard, Drumline, and more. The Kiltie Marching Band typically performs at home football games, parades, shows such as this one, and other events.
Over 100 members make up the band, making shows like this possible through their collective dedication, coordination, and school spirit.
Aaron Krause (‘17) pursues the role of a percussion intern within the band. This includes being the marching percussion instructor and writing the percussion music for the show. This is his sixth year teaching at Alma. Krause expresses excitement, highlighting the enjoyment of time spent with students.
“I’m most excited about the time with the students and colleagues. This is the last year at Alma for me and our director, Mr. Zerbe. Every class of students is a treasure to get to know. Mr. Zerbe is a dear friend and one of the best band directors in Michigan. It was more than a performance; it was a thrilling conclusion to one chapter and a lively start to the next,” said Krause.
While the anticipation for the show was high, the process of getting there required hard work and resilience in the face of obstacles.
“We’ve faced a few challenges in preparation for the show, but we’ve also overcome them as a band. There is a lot of time that goes into the production of this magnitude, in any medium of art. It’s demanding on your body and mind, but the finished product speaks for itself,” said Krause.
After weeks of preparation, the Kiltie Marching Band was met with an enthusiastic audience from across campus. Krause emphasized the importance of campus support for the arts.
“Attendance is vital to all the arts on campus. The best way to support the arts on campus is to attend a show. I would encourage faculty and staff to attend, and I also encourage their students to attend,” said Krause.
The band itself and the faculty encouraged everyone to come experience the event firsthand, not only because it showed support, but also because it was a profound experience.
That same passion was felt by the students performing, who described the show as an unforgettable experience that showcased their teamwork and dedication after months of preparation.
Thomas Frink (‘26) shares a favorite part of preparing for the indoor show, emphasizing the importance of teamwork.
“My favorite thing about the band is the people. There are so many different people involved, but we are all connected through the music. We need each other to put our show together, and that makes our bond very strong,” said Frink.
That sense of unity carries into Frink’s role in the ensemble, where every section and individual contribution plays a vital part in creating the band’s signature sound and overall performance.
“I’m the section leader of both the tenor and alto saxophones, which means that I am their nearest leader, teaching them during band camp and being a helpful voice throughout the rest of the season,” said Frink.
Leading this section has allowed the chance to support others and strengthen the band’s sense of unity.
“It’s a position that I love because it means that I will affect the band even after I graduate,” said Frink.
The Almanian: News 
Leave a Reply