The concert will be preceded by the annual Marching Band Chicken Dinner, taking place in the commons from 5-7 p.m.  Tickets for the combined dinner and show are $10 each.  Tickets for just the show are $5 for adults, $4 for students, $3 for seniors (with gold cards) and free to children age 5 and under. 

The competition season closed when the band traveled to the 2009 Bands of America Super Regional Marching Band competition in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 16, where they placed 16^th out of 50 bands.   Yet the best part of the season to some was not the competiton or the travel.  According to sophomore Shelby Monshaugen, being with friends and forging new friendships was most important.

Learning was also a primary focus for many.

“I learned new marching techniques and how to be more disciplined,” said sophomore Anna Merritt.

 Written by Raechelle RockVam

This year the show will consist of 90 band members and 20 color guard members, all ranging in age from freshmen to seniors.

The band has logged many practice and drill hours to put this show together. This summer, members attended band camp from July 28 to August 7, often practicing nine hot and stressful hours a day. 

“It’s worth it all,” said junior Matt Anderson. 

The band will compete has six times this year, beginning on September 19  in Marshall, MN, and ending the season on  October 15^th-18^th , when they travel to St. Louis, Missouri, for the Bands of America Super Regional.

Marching band has won many awards in the past and looks to continue the tradition of winning with pride and style.  Under the direction of Mr. Shane Macklin and newcomer, Mr. James Tucker, along with drum majors senior Spencer Wahl and sophomore Nate Vinzant, this year is expected to be one of the best.

Brian Martin

Staff Writer