News : Union Band overcomes obstacles, earns Division 1 rating with patriotic theme

The Union Marching Band earned a Division 1 rating at State Festival in C.R. Oct. 9.

A view of the Union band from Kingston Stadium grandstands.

Dressed as Uncle Sam, Union drum major Richard Leipold salutes at the end of the performance.

Union flag corps members twirl patriotic flags that match the band's theme.

Director Mike Bistline speaks to the band as they prepare for State performance.

The percussion section wore patriotic headcoverings as they played a variety of patriotic music.

Drums and cymbals keep time as the band plays and marches.

I pledge allegiance.. the Union band's performance included the Pledge.

Union volunteers, pit band and drum major prepare to haul their equipment to the performance area.

Mr. Bistline and the band await their turn in the tunnel at Kingston Stadium.

Richard Leipold salutes to indicate that the Union Band is ready to perform its routine at State.

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.