Mikayla Hixson
August 31, 2026
With summer coming to an end, The Thiel Tomcat Marching Pride finished up band camp for the season. The camp started August 16 and concluded August 22, giving the students and staff a full week to prepare for the upcoming band season. Throughout the week, students worked on learning new music, drill sets, and marching fundamentals while also learning how to perform together as a full ensemble.
Scott DiTullio, the director of bands, said the preparation for this year’s camp began at the end of the previous season. “The staff and I evaluate and assess what worked, what didn’t and how we can continue to be better and grow as a whole band and in the individual sections.”
A typical day of camp for most students began at 7 a.m. with breakfast in the cafeteria, followed by sectionals for most of the morning. “We had to practice inside a lot this year due to rain,” said Shalondra Santos ’26, a snare drummer, when talking about her experience. Once they had lunch and the sun shone, the band was able to go out onto the first-year quad and practice as a group. “We got done most days around 9 p.m.,” said Santos.
Both DiTullio and Santos highlighted the same moment when they realized the show was really starting to come together. “When we had the whole show out on the field and I can see the drill and the music blending really sealed it for me.” DiTullio is excited for everyone to hear the music selection and how different the drill sets are compared to the previous years he’s been at Thiel College.
Although band camp has come to an end, the work for The Thiel Tomcat Marching Pride is just beginning. The students and staff will continue rehearsing and improving the show as they prepare to perform in front of an audience. The band will have their first performance of their show “Rock to Metal” at the Mercer County Marching Band Festival at 6 p.m. on Wednesday September 9 and then will perform at the school’s first home game on September 12, and a band night performance later that night at the Oil City Marching Band Festival.
Members of the Thiel Tomcat Marching Pride standing during picture day at Alumni Stadium. Photo credit: Lilly Groover.
