• Article Photo. The Union Marching Band earned a Division 1 rating at State Festival in C.R. Oct. 9.
    The Union Marching Band earned a Division 1 rating at State Festival in C.R. Oct. 9.
  • Article Photo. A view of the Union band from Kingston Stadium grandstands.
    A view of the Union band from Kingston Stadium grandstands.
  • Article Photo. Dressed as Uncle Sam, Union drum major Richard Leipold salutes at the end of the performance.
    Dressed as Uncle Sam, Union drum major Richard Leipold salutes at the end of the performance.
  • Article Photo. Union flag corps members twirl patriotic flags that match the band's theme.
    Union flag corps members twirl patriotic flags that match the band's theme.
  • Article Photo. Director Mike Bistline speaks to the band as they prepare for State performance.
    Director Mike Bistline speaks to the band as they prepare for State performance.
  • Article Photo. The percussion section wore patriotic headcoverings as they played a variety of patriotic music.
    The percussion section wore patriotic headcoverings as they played a variety of patriotic music.
  • Article Photo. Drums and cymbals keep time as the band plays and marches.
    Drums and cymbals keep time as the band plays and marches.
  • Article Photo. I pledge allegiance.. the Union band's performance included the Pledge.
    I pledge allegiance.. the Union band's performance included the Pledge.
  • Article Photo. Union volunteers, pit band and drum major prepare to haul their equipment to the performance area.
    Union volunteers, pit band and drum major prepare to haul their equipment to the performance area.
  • Article Photo. Mr. Bistline and the band await their turn in the tunnel at Kingston Stadium.
    Mr. Bistline and the band await their turn in the tunnel at Kingston Stadium.
  • Article Photo. Richard Leipold salutes to indicate that the Union Band is ready to perform its routine at State.
    Richard Leipold salutes to indicate that the Union Band is ready to perform its routine at State.
  • Article Photo. The xylophone player taps her instrument.
    The xylophone player taps her instrument.

Uncle Sam, the Pledge of Allegiance and John Phillip Sousa's most famous march were all part of the Union Band's performance during the State Marching Band Festival in Cedar Rapids on Saturday afternoon.

The Union band earned another Division 1 rating.

Band Director Mike Bistline gave his band credit for keeping focused even though they faced some difficulties concerning their practice locations throughout the year.

"The band really worked hard this year and under a lot of different circumstances -- a practice field that wasn’t finished during band camp and a game field that we didn’t get to practice on or perform on until the day before state. The kids did a great job of staying focused on our goal," said Bistline.