With four competitions and many halftime performances under their belts, the Marching Saints wrapped up a successful marching band season. The theme for this season’s show was “Then and Now: The British Invasion.” The band had many goals for the season, including making the show the best it could be, placing well at competitions, and getting a division I rating at the state competition.

They kicked off their competition season at the Linn-Mar Invite on September 23 where they placed second. They went on to place second at the Marion Invite later that day, and fifth at the Five Seasons Invite on September 30.

“This season went really well. I think everyone was surprised and excited that we did so well at our first competitions of the year,” junior drum major Callie Fay said.

A lot of prep-work goes into the competition season, including a week long summer band camp, early morning practices, and sectionals outside of school.

“We do spend a great deal of time evaluating previous performances so we know what to do moving forward,” Band Director Ms. Kelli Swehla said.

The band has several leaders including the director, drum majors, and section leaders. However, everyone pitches in to help make the show as good as possible.

“There’s a great deal of camaraderie and respect for one another. There is no jv/varsity; we all rely on one another immensely and everyone’s on the field at the same time,” Ms.Swehla said.

As a culmination of their hard work and preparations, the band competed in the State Marching Band Festival at Kingston Stadium on October 7th. They were awarded a division I rating at the contest, which is the highest rating a marching band can receive.

“Getting a division I rating at state was the ultimate goal for the season,” Fay said.

The marching band may be finished with their competition season, but their show can still be seen one last time during halftime of the last home football game on October 20.

Nicole Hassenstab

A&E Writer