Band

The Heelan Band program provides an artistic outlet to students of various skill levels and musical backgrounds. As band members, students develop individual and ensemble skills by focusing on technique and fundamentals to be demonstrated in a performance setting.  

This school year, the Marching Crusaders traveled to Atlanta for the 2023 Peach Bowl, where they won several awards: 

The jazz band earned first place with its mid-week performance, while senior Cahill Kirkpatrick earned “Outstanding Drum Major” during the field competition. 

“I had a feeling we could go in and compete with anyone,” Kirkpatrick said. “We had to go and execute and we did at a high level. To be recognized as one of the best drum majors in the country, there’s no better feeling.” 

The concert band and Marching Crusaders placed second in their respective fields, while in the parade category, Bishop Heelan earned third.

“They did an excellent job from the moment they got on the bus until we got home (on New Year’s Eve),” said Jeana Larson, Bishop Heelan director of bands. “They were on top of things and focused on doing what was needed. Just walking in the stadium and they didn’t let that daunt them at all.” 

The Peach Bowl was the first time Heelan had performed at a New Year’s Six bowl game.