Friday Night Lights are one of the very best parts of the fall! We look forward to home football games all week: marching down to the stadium, playing the National Anthem on the field, filling the “band family” section of the bleachers, playing Pep Band stand tunes, and performing the halftime show. Sharing these Friday nights with our high schoolers is such a gift, and we soak in every magical, musical moment.
Here's a look at FNL 2025 with the NW Viking Band:
First Game of the season: It's HOT in August, so band members don't wear uniforms yet. The Drum Majors lead the band from the school parking down to the stadium as the drumline sets the cadence. Mark and I volunteer each game, so we walk beside them as they march:
The band stands at attention on the field until the football team is announced, then plays the NW Fight Song as the team runs out of the tunnel:
Circled in the below photo is Luke, who conducts from the field:
The band marches across the field to play the pre-game National Anthem:
Stand tunes during the game are so much fun and provide such energy and excitement to the fans:
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Senior Banners were up by Game #2! Let's just all pause for a moment to reflect on how this tugs at a mama's heart:
Warm Ups in the Band Room before the game:
How many drum majors does it take to make a last minute uniform adjustment...?
We had perfect weather for the games this year, and the sunset was a gorgeous backdrop. Homecoming, Middle School Night, and special guests coming to watch L&L perform their show... We treasured every moment!
Senior Night:
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| Band Moms are the best moms. |
What an incredible blessing that our son found his "thing". When he started marching band in 8th grade, I never could have pictured that as a senior, Luke would be the leader of the largest band in the program's history. We watched him grow and find himself in this band. This season, Luke shared his passion for music, talent, leadership, and sense of humor with 200 students, staff, and band directors, and we are so proud of him.
Seniors and families were recognized on the field at halftime. These are the memories I will hold dear forever:
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| Shaking hands with the principal, Dr. Muller |
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| Last drum major handshake. |
In honor of Senior Night, Luke played a sousaphone for some of the stand tunes. This is still his happy place, and what he loves the most in the world:
Senior Drum Majors also have the special honor of conducting stand tunes on Senior Night.
Watching this moment, my heart felt like it was bursting with pride:
After the game, the band performed their show and celebrated their seniors with photos and hugs:
Mama Always Said, "Lights will guide you home":
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| Class of 2026 Viking Seniors |
How we love these 36 seniors! We’ve traveled the world with many of them, chaperoned their field trips and competitions, fed them countless meals, and offered medical help, snacks, and advice. We’ve welcomed them into our home for gatherings and watched them grow from gangly middle schoolers into wonderful young adults. Many of their parents and siblings feel like family to us. I can’t wait to see the amazing things they’ll do in the world, and I know this band has helped shape each one of them.
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What a beautiful adventure this has been, and what a joy to be a part of it!