The Marching Dragons

The Marching Dragons are New Palestine’s premier extracurricular performance ensemble combining both instrumental music and visuals to create an award winning show that is usually around 7 minutes in length and performed outdoors, usually on football fields. The group is made up of NPJH and NPHS Brass, Woodwind, Front Ensemble Percussion, Battery/Drumline Percussion, and Color Guard students. Performances occur throughout the Fall at half-time of home football games, invitational contests across the state, the ISSMA Open Class circuit, and Bands of America regional, super-regional and Grand Nationals events.

The Marching Dragons are 2 time MSBA AAA Champions, 10 time ISSMA Open Class State Finalists, and were the 2006 Runner-Up in ISSMA Open Class C.

Join the 2026 Season!

We invite all NPCS Band and Guard students entering grades 9-12 (7th and 8th with director recommendation) to join the New Palestine Marching Dragons!  Get ready to experience the thrill of performing on the field, making new friends, and building unforgettable memories. We seek motivated and passionate performers to be a part of our program in all aspects and levels. All students performing with the Marching Dragons must be enrolled in a curricular performing arts ensemble in NPCS schools.

Cookout and Kickoff RSVP

BECOME A MEMBER OF THE MARCHING DRAGONS

Who is eligible to participate?

  • The Marching Dragons are open to all NPCS students in grades 9-12, with younger members at the discretion of the director.

  • NPCS Students in 5th and 6th grade interested in guard are encouraged to participate in the New Palestine Fall Cadet Guard clinic and performance.

  • The Marching Dragons are a competitive ensemble much like any other sport. In order to be successful, students must be able to commit a large portion of time and effort to the program in and out of rehearsal time. It takes everyone’s commitment and effort to be successful. To “earn your dot” in the competition show it is mandatory for students to meet the attendance requirements outlined in the attendance policy.

How do I join?

  • Our call out meetings are held in the spring. Attending the meeting does not commit you to the team but will give you an overview of what to expect during the coming season.

  • After the call out meeting there will be a form to complete that will commit you to the team and outline expectations. Once you've completed that form you will be expected to maintain practice and payment schedules in order to keep your "dot" on the field. If there are any conflicts or questions you will need to reach out to your section director.

Are there auditions?

  • The Marching Dragons are a non-auditioned group for all wind players.

  • Students that are interested in filling a percussion role will need to do a brief audition to determine placement in either the drumline or front ensemble.

  • The color guard will complete a performance evaluation to determine weapon line placement.

  • Everyone who is in the eligible grade levels that is willing to put forth the time and effort required to participate in the marching arts is welcome to join.

What is the time commitment?

  • Our 2026 calendars can be accessed via the calendar page on the website, navigating to your section and clicking.

  • Putting together a team of 100+ kids who are all learning to play, move, and perform as a single unit is not easy and takes work. Students will practice both in their section (Guard, Percussion, Hornline) and as a full ensemble. All practices are mandatory and absences must be communicated to the director in writing. The Marching Dragons will make every effort to work with a student's schedule so long as conflicts are communicated. Students who cannot participate in consistent practices will have limited performance time.

  • For 2026, there are no rehearsals from June 12 through July 12 nor are there any rehearsals from July 25 - August 2. Please make every effort to plan vacations during that time.

  • For 2026, every Saturday beginning September 12 and ending November 7 will have a competition with the exception of October 31. Competition days are FULL DAY events with a morning practice, meal & prep, travel, performances, and awards.

  • The Marching Dragons will not have rehearsal October 12-14 during fall break. All students are expected to be in attendance for rehearsal on Thursday, October 15 and Friday, October 16 as well as our Senior Night football game on Friday, October 16 and competition on Saturday, October 17.

  • Finally, no organization can function without the help of a number of incredibly important volunteers. See how you can get involved here!

What are the Costs?

  • The 2026 band charges are $850 to be paid over the course of five months unless other arrangements are made through the NPBB Board. These charges cover the cost of uniforms, props, equipment, music, staff and choreography, show design, transportation, and all aspects that go into producing a quality show.

  • Additionally, students will need to purchase a minimal number of their own personal materials such as performance compressions, performance socks, and personal undergarments as well as any additional show specific or band program gear beyond what is provided during the season. NPBB works to keep these purchases to an absolute minimum so that the cost above is as all-inclusive as we can make it.

  • Payments and fees can be paid all at once or over the course of the months outlined in the performer contract. Scholarships and other arrangements are available through the New Palestine Band Boosters by contacting our Student Account Coordinator. Students and parents can also participate in fundraisers to offset the cost of participation while involved in the New Palestine Band Program.

Physical Education Waiver

  • The Marching Dragons are an NPCS Approved PE Activity. Students who wish to utilize this credit option must complete the entire season with the ensemble as well as meet attendance and behavioral standards for the season.