The Merrimack College Marching Band’s 2025 field show has a name as dramatic as its musical roots: 1/4 Lyfe Crysis. With sharp angles in the spelling and sharper edges in the sound, the show draws from the golden era of early 2000s emo and pop punk, a genre filled with raw emotion, power chords, and rebellious energy. However, beneath the eyeliner aesthetic lies a deeper purpose.
“A lot of the music in our show is turning 25, around the same age as our college students,” says Dr. Andrew Cote, Assistant Professor and Director of Bands at Merrimack. “It’s having a bit of a revival. So, as our century is going through its quarter-life crisis, this was a fun opportunity to do that.”
The idea behind 1/4 Lyfe Crysis came from a mix of artistic instinct and thoughtful planning. Cote and Director of Bands, Paul Geresy, began brainstorming show themes just weeks after last year’s season ended. They quickly settled on the pop-punk revival, imagining a setlist that would challenge the band musically and emotionally, while engaging audiences with familiar hits. The repertoire features dynamic arrangements of “The Kids Aren’t Alright,” “My Own Worst Enemy,” and a mashup of “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” and “In the End,” ending the show with epic intensity.
1/4 Lyfe Crysis is more than just a nostalgic throwback. It’s a symbol of growth, change, and the importance of stepping outside comfort zones—qualities that defined this year’s band camp from day one. Held each August, Merrimack’s band camp is a 10-day stretch of rehearsals, drill practice, leadership retreats, and bonding activities. New members arrive wide-eyed and uncertain; by the end, they’re part of something bigger.
“A big thing we prioritize as a band is group culture over music,” Geresy says. “If our group culture isn’t positive, our music won’t be either.”
That community is expanding rapidly. With over 80 members, the 2025 band is one of Merrimack’s biggest and most diverse yet. This year saw a notable rise in first-year participants, including students new to marching.
Others, like color guard captain Ben Abdou, celebrated the growth of sections that once consisted of solo efforts. “I’m most excited to have a colorguard section,” Abdou says, who previously was the only member in his section. “Being able to work together and have a section that can carry on and grow after I graduate is very important for our band. It’s going to give or show more life and general effect.”
Returning members like Audrey McGill ‘25, a graduate student in the front ensemble, say this year’s energy is the strongest it’s been. “I feel more connected to this band than ever,” she says. “I’ve loved getting to know each new member, and connecting more deeply with people I don’t normally interact with.”
To foster these bonds, Cote and Geresy deliberately designed camp to include shared meals, group activities, and flexible rehearsals. Drill sessions are scheduled during cooler parts of the day, with music and sectionals reserved for midday. Evenings wrap up with “mandatory fun”—light-hearted games and social time to help students unwind and connect.
“It’s not easy to learn a 70-set show in 10 days,” Geresy admits. “But we’ve proven we can do it—and doing hard things together builds resilience.”
That resilience was put to the test during some brutal August heat, long days on the turf, and the physical demands of marching. Students developed their own survival strategies: ice wraps, caffeine, campus lunches, and occasional dance breaks. Leadership from returning members played a key role in helping newer members feel welcomed and supported.
“I was most nervous about coming as a senior from high school and becoming a freshman again with people I didn’t know,” says first-year trumpet player Sebastian Valentin. “The upperclassmen were very kind, taught me the ropes, and told me where I needed to improve.”
For seniors like Owen Eckelkamp, the season is bittersweet. “It’s weird to think I may never do this again,” he reflects. “It’s a full circle as my first-ever marching band show in high school was emo music.”
Many band members say they’re most excited to share the show’s emotional power with audiences this fall. The music feels familiar, but the Merrimack way of performing is precise, passionate, and heartfelt.
“I think for the outside person,” Geresy says, “while they might see these nice formations and hear us sound really good, the individual responsibility that goes into it can’t be overstated.”
And year after year, they pull it off; sometimes even surpassing expectations. “Each year is a new band,” Geresy continues. “I don’t want to compare last year to what we will do this year. I try to start fresh with what we’re going to accomplish, and that allows room for a new bar to be set.”
As the band prepares for their final marching show of the year on November 22, it carries more than just instruments. It carries stories, friendships, and a shared drive to build something bigger than any one player.
That growing recognition has led to opportunities beyond the football field. Earlier this fall, band members toured the Zildjian Company, one of the oldest and most respected cymbal manufacturers in the world. The visit provided a behind-the-scenes look at the artistry and engineering of professional percussion gear, marking another milestone for one of Merrimack’s most vibrant and opportunity-filled programs.
In a world that often feels chaotic and fast-paced, Merrimack’s Marching Band offers a powerful reminder: sometimes, the best way to move forward is together.
