As the Harrisburg High School band steps off in a parade, their crisp formations and powerful sound draw immediate attention. For nine consecutive years, the program has gone undefeated in competitive parades, a record that speaks not only to the students’ dedication but also to the steady leadership of their director, Hannah Drake. Now in her fifteenth year in the district, Drake has built a program that thrives on discipline, adaptability, and community support—while also carrying the dual role of theater director.

Drake’s path to Harrisburg began in Ridgway, where she graduated from Gallatin County High School in 2004. She earned her degree in instrumental music education and special education from the University of Evansville in 2009, then added a master’s in music education from Kent State University. Even before finishing her undergraduate degree, she interviewed for Harrisburg’s opening and was hired in June 2009. “This is the only place I’ve ever been,” she said. “Harrisburg just had good timing—it all fell into place.”

Her schedule is as varied as it is demanding. At the high school, she teaches band, theater, color guard, and dual credit American music classes through Southeastern Illinois College (SIC). She also works with fifth graders at East Side Intermediate, introducing them to band. After school, she directs high school theater rehearsals while coordinating middle school theater as an extracurricular. For Drake, the wide scope is part of the joy. “Our kids are in everything—band, sports, theater—and I think it makes them stronger,” she said.

The band program functions as a year-round commitment. Students don’t just play at halftime—they also serve as the pep band, concert band, jazz band, and parade band. With 67 students in band and another 17 in color guard, the program covers a lot of ground. “We don’t have an off-season,” Drake explained. “From August to August, they are always performing.”

What sets Harrisburg apart is its competitive parade focus. Unlike many high school bands that concentrate on field shows, Drake has emphasized precision parade performance. The approach fits Harrisburg’s size and culture, allowing students involved in multiple activities to participate without sacrificing excellence. “We play original pieces rather than pop songs, and we focus on precision,” she said. “Anyone can see when a group is together and when they’re not. That unity sets us apart.”

The results have been remarkable. Marching in festivals from Mount Vernon to Pinckneyville, Murphysboro, and Carmi, the Bulldogs consistently earn top marks. Drake credits her mentor, former Gallatin band director Kathy Hanrahan, for inspiring her competitive drive. “She was the best, and much of what I’ve brought into this program comes from her,” Drake said.

Theater is another cornerstone of Drake’s work. Though she had no formal theater background, she stepped into directing early in her career. Today, she stages two productions each year: a smaller, auditioned musical in the fall and a large spring musical open to all. Recent shows have included Little Women, The Little Mermaid, and this year’s Little Shop of Horrors. Participation can reach 70 students, many of whom are also in band. “Eighty to ninety percent of our cast members are band kids,” Drake said with a smile. “They’re incredibly talented and committed.”

Without a dedicated auditorium, the theater program rehearses in cafeterias and gyms before moving productions to Southeastern Illinois College for performances. The lack of a permanent space has its challenges, but Drake believes it makes her students adaptable. “They can rehearse in a room half the size of a stage and then adjust instantly when we move in,” she said. “That flexibility is part of what makes them so strong.”

Community support plays a huge role in both band and theater. Parents volunteer with uniforms, fundraising, and travel, often joining trips in large numbers. “We had 50 kids on our last band trip and 70 family members who came along,” Drake said. “If you want something done, call a band parent. They’re incredible.” Administrators, too, back the programs, rarely saying no to Drake’s big ideas. “I’m grateful for that,” she added. “It allows our kids opportunities they might not have otherwise.”

Though the work is demanding, Drake wouldn’t trade it. “On the hard days, sure, you think about other paths,” she admitted. “But then you see your students perform, and you know it’s special. They take such pride in what they do, and that pride sets us apart.”