The Soundtrack Of Fall

ON FRIDAY NIGHTS and Saturday afternoons in Manasquan, the energy on the field isn’t fueled by football alone. From the sidelines, the Manasquan High School Warrior Marching Band is the true “hype squad,” lifting the crowd with songs that bring back memories for alumni and keep today’s students cheering. Whether it’s a touchdown celebration or the pulse of a rivalry game, the music ties generations of fans together.

HONORING TRADITIONS

Some songs are staples of the band, led by band director Eva Szakal. Every game kicks off with “Let’s Get It Started,” while the Notre Dame fight song sounds at the end of the first quarter—and now again at the end of the third quarter, thanks to a revived tradition. Touchdowns send the crowd jumping to their feet, accompanied by a rousing excerpt from “I Can’t Turn You Loose.”

Fans get fired up even further by swinging their arm forward and back in perfect time with the beat. And there’s always a special victory song reserved for wins—kept under wraps to keep the good luck flowing.

During the game, the band doesn’t perform alone—their music and the high school cheerleaders’ routines go hand in hand, creating a true team effort that makes game day come alive. From “Hey! Baby” to “Louie Louie” and “Gimme Some Lovin’,” the playlist energizes both the crowd and the cheer squad.

The theme of the band’s pregame and halftime show this year is The Greatest Showman. Under the direction of Drum Majors Owen Murphy and Nicholas Kutcher, the band performs marching routines to songs from the movie soundtrack, including “This Is Me,” “Never Enough,” and “From Now On.” They end their dynamic show playing the school song with a little help from the cheerleaders, who form a square and spell out “Manasquan” with their pompoms.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Performing in front of so many spectators can be nerve-racking, but it also teaches students how to manage their nerves. “Being drum major has helped me stay calm because I get to turn around and look at the band for a moment,” Owen says. “My blood always gets pumping for my solo, though.”

Every fall, the Manasquan versus Wall game draws some of the biggest crowds of the season. For the band, the preparations don’t change—they bring the same spirit and dedication as any other game. Still, the rivalry makes it electric. Wins feel sweeter, losses sting sharper, and the intensity in the stands is unforgettable. It is during this yearly game that alumni are welcome to pick up their instruments again, when the stands are filled with familiar faces and familiar songs.

A SUM GREATER THAN ITS PARTS

The Manasquan program stands out in a few ways. Unlike many schools, the band does not rehearse together during the school day. Instead, sections practice separately, coming together outside school hours for rehearsals, shows, parades, and special events. This flexibility also allows talented eighth graders from sending districts to join, helping to build the program’s future. In total, dozens of students participate, developing not just musical skills but teamwork, discipline, and a strong sense of belonging.

Amy Murphy, Owen’s mother, emphasizes the benefits of the program more broadly. “Through countless hours of practice, students learn the importance of dedication and consistency,” she says. “Working closely in a musical ensemble teaches them how to collaborate, listen, and contribute to a shared goal.”

MORE THAN MUSIC

For Eva, now in her 26th year of teaching and third year at Manasquan, the program is deeply personal. “Being a part of this program makes me so proud,” she says. “I remember my own high school band experiences so fondly, and I strive to give my students the same opportunities. The teamwork, the friendships, the joy of making music together—it stays with you for life.”

Eva has a background in teaching beginning band students, and it is a gift she brings to Manasquan. Here, newcomers can pick up an instrument for the first time, find their rhythm, and discover a circle of peers who make the experience all the more meaningful. “There’s something magical about watching students grow together,” she reflects. “High school band is about music, but it’s also about unity.”

At its core, the Manasquan High School Warrior Marching Band is more than just halftime entertainment. It is the pulse of the community, a memory-maker for alumni, a partner of the high school cheerleadering team, and the soundtrack to every football game. “With every note, every song, and every tradition, the band makes sure Squan spirit is always alive and well,” Nicholas says.

BY DANIELLE KUTCHER