Lakeside High School Viking Marching Band Kicks off a New Season of Music

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While most of Lakeside High School’s music programs and performances are separate, the school’s three music directors work cooperatively on music education, fundraising and combined concerts. Pictured (L-R): Michael Giel, symphony orchestra director, Thomas FitzStephens, chorus director, Daniel MacNamara, music assistant and David Fairchild, director of bands

Lakeside High School’s award-winning Viking Marching Band has been making music and delighting audiences for over a half-century, and Fall 2017 is shaping up to be yet another successful season for the young musicians. In addition to entertaining the crowd at all Lakeside football games, the 90+-member marching band is slated to perform and compete at a number of venues and special events over the next few months, beginning with the annual DragonCon Parade in downtown Atlanta Saturday, Sept. 2, at 10 a.m.

“Lakeside’s marching band is the only high school marching band invited to participate in the DragonCon Parade,” said Lakeside High School Director of Bands David Fairchild. “This is the largest parade in the city and it’s a lot of fun. We’re honored to be invited back again this year to participate in this Atlanta tradition and we’re all looking forward to it.”

Band members are currently selling cheesecakes and other baked goods, and in October will join students in Lakeside’s orchestra and chorus programs to sell citrus fruits. Funds raised are used for a variety of needs including new instruments and instrument repair, guest conductors, competition fees, travel expenses and music costs, among other items. In late winter, Orchestra and Band students will travel to Orlando, Fl. to play a cinematic soundtrack on a movie stage along with the film. They will also enjoy a few days of exploring the various Disney and Universal Studios theme parks.

“DeKalb County is extremely fortunate that Lakeside High School offers an outstanding music program under the direction of Michael Giel, Thomas FitzStephens and David Fairchild, whose own music career began when he was a Lakeside student,” said David Guthrie, president of the Lakeside Band Association. “Numerous studies have shown the many benefits of arts education, especially music, in terms of enhanced learning abilities, greater comprehension of math and language and higher graduation rates. Plus, the kids learn discipline, responsibility and commitment in a fun and supportive atmosphere.” www.lakesidevikingband.com, www.facebook.com/lakesidevikingband/