For many Lincoln students, band is not only a place to master instruments, but also a place to learn leadership, compete at a high level and experience international culture. The band program is composed of a symphonic band, a concert band, a wind ensemble and a jazz band. They play at competitions, pep rallies, assemblies and concerts.
“Band is a team where everyone matters,” said band teacher Frank Petrik. “You learn music, discipline and leadership while being part of something bigger than yourself, and you get to perform and create unforgettable experiences.”
The Lincoln band is traveling to the Baltic countries this spring break, including Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia. Senior Dingan Leip, who plays in the jazz band and wind ensemble, said the purpose of these trips goes beyond having fun. “The point of these trips is that we are able to build a community while also expressing music, and by doing so, the people in the other communities and neighborhoods are able to hear what we create and hopefully enjoy it,” said Leip.
Two years ago, when Petrik became the band teacher, the band shifted to a more competitive orientation. “In my time at Lincoln, we have not qualified for the state competition, but I’m pretty sure this year we will,” said senior Miguel Oliva. “Our band program with Mr. Petrik has improved significantly.”
Students involved in band said improvement doesn’t just happen and involves hard work. “The expectation is for you to practice at least an hour a day,” said senior Bailey Rudzinsky.
Many students are excited about the band’s increased competitiveness, but others are not. “[Mr. Petrik] wanted to expand the community, which also meant putting in extra time and effort into band, which I just wasn’t able to do,” said junior Lilah Shields, who quit the band last year. “If you were in jazz band you had to take two band classes,” said Shields.
The requirement to take two band classes, one regular and one technical such as jazz, posed a significant scheduling challenge for some students, but Petrik said the changes were necessary. “These changes were made to support a high-quality, sustainable band experience,” said Petrik. “Aligning jazz participation with concert bands helps ensure long-term musical growth and program excellence.”
Some students are unhappy with the changes. “I joined the band to have fun with a group of people I can bond with,” said junior Julian Gathright. “Mr. Petrik is pushing to be the best school in the state and that puts pressure on students.” Because of the changes to the program, Gathright is debating quitting the band.
“The program changes are not intended to push students out,” said Petrik, “but to set them up for success and to respect the level of commitment required for ensemble-based music.”
