Last night, the city of Hastings was treated to something truly special. Picture this: it’s a perfect evening, temperatures in the 70s, a golden sunset giving way to a stunning double rainbow arcing over Todd Field. Seagulls soared overhead, seemingly in harmony with the music below. And that music? None other than a spectacular performance by the Hastings Raiders Marching Band, themed after Tim Burton's iconic film Beetlejuice—complete with a score by Danny Elfman.

HastingsNow.com was lucky enough to capture over 100 photos from the evening, and while the pictures speak volumes, it's the stories and the energy behind the scenes that make this event truly magical. The crowd gathered, eager to watch this year's State Champion band light up the field with its one-of-a-kind performance. If you missed it, we’ve got you covered with exclusive interviews with some of the most dedicated individuals who brought this show to life. From instructors to boosters, this event was a community effort, and the pride in Hastings' talented young musicians was palpable.

"A Celebration of Progress" – Zack Anderson, Co-Colorguard Instructor

Zack Anderson, one of the co-colorguard instructors, couldn’t contain his excitement about how far the band has come this season.

"We are at Todd Field for the Hastings Marching Band preview show, just celebrating the kids and how good of a job they've been doing this season competing," he shared. Anderson emphasized the importance of getting involved early in the program, encouraging parents and students to follow the Hastings Band Program on Facebook to stay up-to-date and get their kids involved in band early on.

For Anderson, the night was more than just a performance—it was a celebration of the students' hard work, growth, and dedication. And as the skies cleared and that double rainbow appeared, it seemed like the universe agreed.

"It’s Showtime!" – Josh Wahlstrom, Marching Band Percussion Director

Josh Wahlstrom, the percussion director, was equally thrilled.

"Tonight we had our home show at Todd Field with our 2024 production of Beetlejuice. We had a great time performing for our home crowd," Wahlstrom said, beaming with pride. And for those who couldn’t make it to the show, he dropped a little hint: there are still more opportunities to see the Hastings Raiders Marching Band in action. Next up is a performance in Hudson, Wisconsin, followed by shows at Champlin Park High School and their final competition at US Bank Stadium.

As a proud Hastings alum and someone who has been with the band for 16 years, Wahlstrom understands the importance of community support. His message was clear: if you're a student (or a parent of one), consider joining this incredible band family.

"Parents Make It Happen" – Jessica Bierbrauer, President of Hastings Bands Boosters

When it comes to making a show like this possible, it’s more than just students and instructors putting in the work. As Jessica Bierbrauer, president of the Hastings Bands Boosters, explained, “It takes, as you can imagine, a lot of people to make a show like this happen.”

The Band Boosters, a nonprofit composed of parents of band students in grades 5-12, plays a critical role in fundraising and organizing events. If you're a parent of a band student, you're automatically a part of the Boosters—and as Jessica emphasized, their doors are always open for more help.

"We are very responsive, so if you're interested in helping out, you can show up to a meeting. You'll get a job, and we'll tell you how you can help and take part," Bierbrauer said with a smile. Her words were an open invitation to parents and the Hastings community at large: come be a part of something bigger.

"Bringing Beetlejuice to Life" – Emily Chandler, Marching Band Director

Finally, we caught up with Emily Chandler, the mastermind behind this fantastic show. For over 20 years, Chandler has led the Hastings Raiders Marching Band, and each year, she brings a new level of creativity and passion to the field.

"This year, our theme is Beetlejuice. Some of the music is from the original '80s movie, and some of the music is from the musical that just came out last year," Chandler explained. The students have fully embraced the quirky and colorful vibe of Beetlejuice, from the kooky costumes to the lively music. “We’re halfway through our season, with three more competitions left,” she added, encouraging any interested students to reach out to her via email for information about joining next season.

Chandler’s leadership has undoubtedly helped the band grow into the powerhouse it is today, having won multiple State Championships. And with the enthusiasm from this Beetlejuice-themed performance, it’s clear that the students are having just as much fun as the audience.

The Night the Raiders Cast a Spell on Hastings

Last night’s Hastings Raiders Marching Band Home Show was nothing short of enchanting. With the performance of Beetlejuice under a sky that gifted the crowd with a double rainbow, it felt like a little slice of movie magic was happening right there on the field.

HastingsNow.com was honored to capture this moment in photos and interviews, but the real stars of the show were the students and staff who worked tirelessly to bring this whimsical, energetic, and slightly spooky performance to life.

To everyone who missed out on the magic—don’t worry. The Raiders Marching Band still has three more performances left this season, so be sure to catch them if you can. Whether it’s Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, or just pure band magic, you won’t want to miss it.

For more updates on upcoming performances and how to get involved with the Hastings Raiders Marching Band, check out their official website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.