The sound of fall


Members of the Kamiak High School drum line (from left) Thomas DiMarco, Ryan O’Connor and Jake Cunningham tap out a beat as the rest of the Kamiak band files into the stands during a September home game against Jackson.

As the last of the September sunlight fades in the western sky, the Kamiak Marching Band parades onto the track at Goddard Stadium. Their football team is playing Jackson, a Wesco South foe with possible playoff implications. The band marches — left, left, left, right, left — in front of the home stands. They are lead by the snare line, which taps out the cadence.


Bass drummer Lynn Onishi peaks over her drum as the Kamiak Marching Band performs before a home game against Jackson in September.

They halt their forward progress and mark time. The rest of the band files into the stands where a small section is reserved just for them. The drum lines continue their beat, their hats and backs ramrod straight, the only movement coming from their arms and drumsticks. The glow of the sun disappears and the drums stop. It’s kickoff time.


Sticks pound on snare drums before the game begins.

The series: Herald photographers Jennifer Buchanan, Annie Mulligan and Mark Mulligan take a look at Friday night life outside the chalk lines of the gridiron. Join them each week for a look at the people who make the Friday football experience possible without ever catching a pass or running the ball in for a touchdown. Have a good idea for Sidelines? Email Jennifer Buchanan at jbuchanan@heraldnet.com.

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