by Lynn Vance

LHS Band Publicist

     When the Lincoln High School Cougars Marching Band takes to the field for the 2021-22 season,  senior Lilly McCarty may be making LHS Band history when she leads the members onto the field to the beat of the drum.

McCarty will be the third member of her immediate family to lead the band onto Stydahar Field. She will follow in the footsteps of her field commander sisters, Maggie McCarty and Abby Rader.

      "My oldest sister (Abby) was the field commander my sixth grade year, and my other sister (Maggie) was the field commander my freshman year," said McCarty, who is the daughter of Pat and Janene McCarty of Lumberport and also the sister of Coty Shingleton. "I knew watching my oldest sister (Abby) get on the podium and perform it was something I aspired to do."

      She also knew that following in their footsteps would not be an easy task.

     "I watched my sister (Maggie) lead the band my freshman year and I knew that I would have to work hard to achieve that same position."

     McCarty, who has been in the band seven years and plays the clarinet and saxophone, did not always want to be in the spotlight leading the band.

     "It wasn't until I saw my sisters perform that I felt the desire to lead the band," she said.

     This year has not started out on the right foot for Lincoln's band. Schedule and director changes topped with the continuance of the COVID-19 pandemic has the marching season in topsy turvy, however, McCarty is trying to be the positive roll model she knows she has to be.

     "My goal for this year is to show how strong our band truly is," she said. "We've been dealt a bad hand since the beginning of COVID and I think this year we'll get a chance to show how strong and united we are. I'm looking forward to Friday nights and the crowds."

     Even though the season has yet to kick off, the band has been hard at work preparing for parades and performances under the direction of temporary director Robin Bohn, and temporary assistant director Lisa Reese. Both were appointed to help with this year's band camp.

     "I'm extremely proud of our band and the season hasn't even started yet," said McCarty. "They've worked hard this summer despite all the unknowns. I know it's hard dealing with this much change, especially at our age, but they've taken everything in stride which makes me proud." 

     McCarty said she is grateful for those teachers and volunteers who stepped up to help with this year's band camp.

     "I would personally like to thank Ms. Bohn, Mrs. Reese and Mr. (John) Kimble for their guidance and teaching over the past few months," said McCarty. "For that I am forever grateful."

     McCarty has some advice for her fellow band members for the start of the new season. It's advice that she hopes they will take in consideration.

     "My number one piece of advice would be to have a good attitude," she said. "We have been through COVID, staffing changes, and experienced a large loss of members. This year has been very difficult compared to my last three years. It's easy to look down at this year and think what's the point, but I know once we get on the field or march down Pike Street everyone's motivation will be restored."

     The LHS Marching Band traditionally marches from the school to the field prior to the start of each home football game, as well as perform at halftime.

     Lincoln is scheduled to take the field on Friday, Aug. 27  at 7 p.m.