Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Meet the Schuylkill County Marching Bands 2026: Minersville Area Battlin’ Miner Marching Band

The Minersville Area Battlin’ Miner Marching Band will take audiences on a journey “From Chaos to Connection” during the 2026 season.
The band includes 20 musicians in grades seven through 12, along with seven color guard members and two majorettes. Hunter Lubinsky and Yorey Rumberger serve as drum majors.

Mrs. Emily Wetzel is entering her second year as the high school band director. The band staff also includes Miss Emily Huff, assistant band director; Mrs. Michelle Roberts, color guard instructor; and Ms. Megan Wallace, majorette instructor.

This year’s show begins with the powerful energy of AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck,” representing chaos. The performance then transitions into WALK THE MOON’s “Shut Up and Dance,” reflecting connection and the way music can bring people together.

The show concludes with John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” representing home, comfort, unity and belonging.

Through the three familiar selections, the Battlin’ Miner Marching Band hopes to tell a story about moving through chaos, finding connections and ultimately discovering a place where everyone belongs.

The band’s goals for the season include continuing to grow as a team, building friendships and creating an inclusive environment in which every student can thrive musically and feel valued.

Members will also focus on improving their use of dynamics, building endurance as instrumentalists and creating performances that offer audiences more than entertainment.

The Battlin’ Miner Marching Band will perform during Minersville Area football games throughout the fall and participate in Minersville’s annual Spirit Day. The band also represents the district during Memorial Day parades in surrounding communities.

The band’s 2026 officers are President Devlin Purcell, Vice President Hunter Lubinsky, Secretary Matthew Miggins and Treasurer Avery Wallace.