NS has become the home for a new band, “Crusades,” a group of freshmen who have been playing together for about a year now.

Though this band usually plays traditional rock and metal music, they learned some more popular jazzy songs for the homecoming tailgate party, which they were recruited to play at by SBO, Janey Mitchell, when they were playing in Fairview’s 24th of July parade.

“I like the new songs,” TJ Draper says, “because they can help me and my bandmates get better and learn some new things.” 

The whole band - Zander Willden, TJ Draper, Ty Wetzel, and Christian Pack - has been together for almost a year. 

“[I’ve been a part of the band] for about a year now.” Ty Wetzel says, “TJ about two, and Christian and Zander for about maybe three to four.”

           Christian Pack got into playing guitar in fifth grade. Zander Willden started playing the drums in elementary school as well. The two of them started a band and in sixth grade played their first gig at the elementary school talent show. They stayed in the band and when their old bassist quit, they started looking for someone else who would be a good match.

           Christmas 2024 was when bassist, TJ Draper, got his first bass. Having been friends with Willden and Pack through football, Draper mentioned he was learning to play. Willden and Pack had found their newest member of the band.

           Guitarist, Ty Wetzel, started playing guitar in seventh grade. It was in eighth grade when he was asked to join the band. It was perfect timing since they needed another guitarist and Ty was a perfect match for the group. 

It was a couple of weeks after that they decided they needed a name, and “Crusades” was the pick. 

Each member of “Crusades” loves music and wants to share that passion with others.

“I like drumming,” Willden says, “and I just found some people that liked music as well.

Their love of music is more than just to listen and to play ​it, but also to share it.

        “What’s the point of playing music alone?” Draper says, “It’s not as much fun without other people playing with you and hearing it come together.” 

         Although the group was friends before, “Crusades” has brought all of them closer together. The best part of the band, for all of them, is the time they get to spend with each other. 

         While the band has made a lot of memories, the best is just spending time together playing.

         “So far,” Pack said, “it’s just when we drive to practices every Wednesday, and we just talk.”

         “Crusades” isn’t sure what the future has in store for them, but they are grateful for their chance to be in the group and hope to continue playing together throughout high school and after.