Drum major Josiah Houghton, mid-salute, signals to the press box the band is ready to begin performing at the IHSMA State Marching Band Festival.

This fall, the South Tama County Trojan Marching Band took audiences on a top-secret musical mission. Performing a “secret agent” themed show packed with spy motifs, exciting props, and dynamic movement, the band carried its mission through four competitions, including the Marion Marching Invitational, Five Seasons Marching Invitational, IHSMA State Marching Band Festival, and finishing strong at the Waukee Warrior Marching Invitational.

From early rehearsals to final performances, band director Mike Carnahan emphasizes that the focus was on internal improvement rather than external ranking. “We have a longstanding philosophy of competing with ourselves first and foremost… our quote we use is ‘be a better band than yesterday’,” he said. “While competitive scores matter and are celebrated, the real success came when the group could look back and say: we did our very best in that moment and we did it better than yesterday.”

Every marching band has its leaders, and at STC this year that role was shared by two drum majors, juniors Jordan DeFoe and Josiah Houghton. Carnahan noted the inherent challenge: “Starting two new Drum Majors is always a challenge. … They have to lead the band … but also in rehearsals by example or even outside of rehearsals in the way they represent themselves, our band and our school. It’s a fine line to toe when the people they are directing and leading are also their peers.”

Yet both Jordan and Josiah rose to that responsibility: up on the podium, guiding the band’s performance; on the field and off, modeling the attitude and commitment expected. Their being juniors this year means they carry forward not only the experience of this season, but the opportunity to lead with greater confidence next year – something Carnahan looks forward to.

The band’s season included participation at the IHSMA State Marching Band Festival, which is structured around individual band performance rather than head-to-head competition. Scores are given by judges (three in the press box; three on the field) evaluating musical execution and field movement, then translated into divisions: Division One (Superior) at 68 points or above, Division Two (Excellent), Division Three (Good), and Division Four (Fair).

PHOTO BY SUE CARNAHAN – Drum majors Jordan DeFoe and Josiah Houghton flank the band's "Secret Agent” front panels on the field inside of Kingston Stadium in Cedar Rapids.

This season STC earned a score of 66.6, just 1.4 points shy of Division One. While such a near-miss could sting, Carnahan framed it as a teachable moment and something to build on.

For the bands final performance, they traveled to the Waukee Warrior Marching Invitational. The event is different: beyond competition, the contest celebrates seniors from all bands, features all drum majors and color guard captains, and ends with a fireworks display

At Waukee, STC didn’t finish at the top of its class in placement – but the score told a different story: the band exceeded the 68-point threshold, pushing into Division One caliber territory. More than that, Carnahan was heartened by what he heard: “Hearing many of them celebrate the improvement and the fact that it gave them a ‘Division One’ caliber score only furthers our goal of being that better band than yesterday.” Both score and spirit improved, showing much promise for the future.

Carnahan also credited the band’s support network for contributing to the season’s success. Volunteers assisted with equipment transportation, uniform fittings, meal service at competitions, and so much more. The Tama American Legion and Tama VFW donated bottled water for the season, helping students stay prepared during long rehearsal days and travel weekends.

“We call anyone who joins our group ‘Band Family’, and once you are a member of it, you are always part of it.”

With both drum majors returning and a strong group of underclassmen, Carnahan said the program’s momentum from this season should continue into 2026.

“We stand on the shoulders of those before us – just as we hope our current members become the same bit of inspiration for future band members,” he said.