The 2024 halftime show will be a sight to see with the introduction of the cinematic and emotion-packed theme, “Through Stained Glass.”

The show will feature pieces from the following:

• • “Fly to Paradise” by Eric Whitacre
  • “Church Windows” by Ottorino Respighi
  • “A Simple Song from Mass” by Leonard Bernstein
  • “Dance: First Movement” by Oliver Davis
  • “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by JS Bach

The directors chose selections that they felt would fit this year’s band well. The theme is centered around the idea that outside of a building you can’t see the story that stained glass is trying to portray very well, but after you enter and the lights shine through, the story comes to life.

“The idea that we are telling a story through the marching arts is very similar to the original purpose of stained glass,” band director Ginger Denney said.

People can expect this show to have a strong feeling of hopefulness and other positive emotions.

“We want the audience to be in awe of the visual and musical elements of the show,” Denney said. “Some of the things that we are planning to do will hopefully accomplish that.”

A challenge that music directors all over the world have always struggled with is telling their story only using music, and this will certainly be something to take into consideration with the new show.

“I think as with every show the most difficult part is going to be in trying to convey that story or idea without words,” Denney said. “Trying to get the judges and the audience to understand what we are trying to convey and why we made some of the visual and design choices that we did.”

Combining the visual arts, the awe-inspiring storyline, and the surefire combination of the band, the Randall community can expect great things and even greater sounds.

“Our story as a band is not done, it has only just started,” Denney said.

The Raider Band currently holds a three-time state qualifying record in the UIL marching band competition.