• Article Photo. Band members participate in the cheer as they prepare for their performance.
    Band members participate in the cheer as they prepare for their performance.
  • Article Photo. The band gathered near the tank at Veterans Park near the stadium for warm-ups.
    The band gathered near the tank at Veterans Park near the stadium for warm-ups.
  • Article Photo. Will Hancock and others in the V-S percussion section warm up before the performance.
    Will Hancock and others in the V-S percussion section warm up before the performance.
  • Article Photo. Seniors lead the VS Band in the traditional cheer before their performance at Kingston Stadium.
    Seniors lead the VS Band in the traditional cheer before their performance at Kingston Stadium.
  • Article Photo. Percussionists prepare their equipment after arriving at Kingston Stadium.
    Percussionists prepare their equipment after arriving at Kingston Stadium.
  • Article Photo. Preparation takes longer than the 15 minutes the band has to play its music.
    Preparation takes longer than the 15 minutes the band has to play its music.
  • Article Photo. Drum Majors Wes Lyons and Logan Halstead lead the band onto the field.
    Drum Majors Wes Lyons and Logan Halstead lead the band onto the field.
  • Article Photo. The VS Band pays tribute to the Titanic, forming a shape similar to that of the famous ship.
    The VS Band pays tribute to the Titanic, forming a shape similar to that of the famous ship.
  • Article Photo. Flag corps and the trumpet section members march together.
    Flag corps and the trumpet section members march together.
  • Article Photo. The band began working on its routine during Band Camp in August.
    The band began working on its routine during Band Camp in August.
  • Article Photo. Where to march, which way to turn, and what to play are just part of what VS band musicians master.
    Where to march, which way to turn, and what to play are just part of what VS band musicians master.
  • Article Photo. A few membes of the brass section march and play together.
    A few membes of the brass section march and play together.
  • Article Photo. The band's final contest is next Saturday at Ankeny.
    The band's final contest is next Saturday at Ankeny.
  • Article Photo. Drum Major Logan Halstead helps lead the band.
    Drum Major Logan Halstead helps lead the band.
  • Article Photo. Drum Majors Logan and Wes salute to indicate that the band is ready to begin its show.
    Drum Majors Logan and Wes salute to indicate that the band is ready to begin its show.
  • Article Photo. The band enters the performance area.
    The band enters the performance area.
  • Article Photo. Flag corps members surround the band.
    Flag corps members surround the band.
  • Article Photo. A variety of colors appears as flag corps members perform.
    A variety of colors appears as flag corps members perform.
  • Article Photo. Flag corps members work hard to learn the proper ways to hold...
    Flag corps members work hard to learn the proper ways to hold...
  • Article Photo. .....twirl...
    .....twirl...
  • Article Photo. ....and carry their flags.
    ....and carry their flags.
  • Article Photo. Drum Major Logan Halstead helps the band keep time.
    Drum Major Logan Halstead helps the band keep time.
  • Article Photo. A judge records comments as she evaluates the bands music and marching.
    A judge records comments as she evaluates the bands music and marching.
  • Article Photo. Megan Jorgensen plays her trumpet solo during the VS Marching Band's show at State on Saturday.
    Megan Jorgensen plays her trumpet solo during the VS Marching Band's show at State on Saturday.
  • Article Photo. Nic Gardner plays his sax solo.
    Nic Gardner plays his sax solo.
  • Article Photo. Emma Lippmann waits for the cue to play first notes for V-S.
    Emma Lippmann waits for the cue to play first notes for V-S.
  • Article Photo. The band awaits its turn in the tunnel at Kingston Stadium.
    The band awaits its turn in the tunnel at Kingston Stadium.
  • Article Photo. Kyra Blix plays mellophone as band performs.
    Kyra Blix plays mellophone as band performs.

The Vinton-Shellsburg Marching Band's 2010 show combine history and a variety of music not always played by marching bands as director Karl Smith and his musicians continue to enjoy another season of success.

The band earned another Division 1 rating at the Iowa State Band Festival Saturday at Kingston Stadium.

The band played songs from the musical "Titanic," including the opening score and a ragtime song.

"They did very well," said Mr. Smith after the performance.

"I am very proud of our V/S Band Students and Parents," Smith said. "They have put a lot of hard work and time into making the show the best it can be. The conditions were very tough Saturday due to the record heat, but the students and parents really persevered and put on a great performance. I am very proud that the band has improved with every rehearsal and performance.  That is our goal as a department. Now, we take the judge's comments and suggestions for improvement, and prepare the best we can for next Saturday's event at Ankeny."

This, said Smith is the Vinton-Shellsburg Band Department's 5th straight Division I rating at the State Marching Festival.  This is the band's 6th straight school year of achieving a Division I rating at a State event (marching band, concert band, and/or jazz band).  This is the 14th Division I rating (marching band, jazz band and concert band) in school history, according to Smith.

The weather has been a factor in the past few years. This year, with the temperature in the 80s, a few performers suffered heat exhaustion. One VS flag corps member needed some attention after the peformance. Similar heat caused similar problems a couple years ago, but last year, the temperature was in the 30s and a little snow had fallen on the field the morning before the show.

The band ends its competition season this Saturday at the Mid-Iowa invitational in Ankeny.