Just when we thought 2008 was the end of the rebuilding phase for the Marching Panthers, that October brought even more surprises as the band director moved on and the marching program was left with a sense of uncertainty (if Mr. Emmert can be classified as such).

The Reitz Marching Panthers hold stance and blow away another set of judges.

In stepped Mr. Taylor Criswell, Emmert’s own protege, to lead the marching band back to the promised land in 2009.

After the season ended last year, Emmert took over the band program, performing double duty with the choir also under his reign. He made the call to Criswell in October to offer him the prospect, and the rest is history.

Hailing from Memphis, TN, the music capitol of the U.S., Criswell had not just one task this year: to lead the “Marching 100″ back to past glory, and uphold the longstanding winning tradition of Reitz’, well, everything. While the band’s numbers didn’t quite reach a hundred, Criswell has made good on expectations, saying he feels “happy” about taking over the program.

“Happy” could also describe the emotions of Reitz band’s spectators and admires, emitting a widespread sigh of relief that the drama in the musical department is a thing of the past. The band created a whole new look this season (literally), with both new uniforms and a completely original marching show, titled “To a Higher Somewhere”.

“Our new uniforms are great, and unique [on a national level],” said Criswell on the upgrades. “They were made by the top uniform designer in the world.”

The new show, comprised of completely original music and drill (marching) written specifically for Reitz’ marchers, impressed judges across the area, bringing familiar success back to the Marching Panthers.

The band has placed first at the Castle Invitational, and swept the superlatives at the Mt. Vernon Invitational, including Best Marching, Color Guard, Music, Drumline, and Drum Major. Two competitions this season were canceled due to inclement weather.

The band was awarded Gold ratings at both the District and Regionals competitions, and next up was Semi-State, where they placed just 5 spots out of State qualification.

“It’s nothing special,” said Criswell on Reitz’ apparent return to glory after season-long success. “It’s just business as usual.”

Having worked with Emmert in Drum Corps International for the past five years, moving the show on the road to Evansville without sacrificing output was no issue for Criswell, nor for his DCI colleagues who also moved to Evansville for permanent assistant jobs.

“We’re all just doing things like we always do,” said Criswell.

That said, Criswell is shaking things up after realizing the band’s winning mindset may have lapsed after lengthy adversity. Changes in the way the band rehearses, their composure, and the general conduct are all part of his new regime.

The band program is not Criswell’s only goal this year, however. In a joint effort with Emmert, he will be assisting with the choir program, offering his own expertise, while Emmert will do the same with the band. This is all in an effort to strengthen Reitz’ music program altogether, to create a sense of integration and camaraderie.

Criswell status as the “new guy” may be regarded by some as a tough stage, but he insists he’s having a good time “just getting to know people”, saying he simply has to “jump right in”.

He has quickly become accustomed to Reitz traditions, and notes Reitz’ school support of the band, and their perceived importance of their success.