News : VSHS Band members exicted about \'Gladiator\' show; preview now on Youtube

Stephanie Berry and Kyra Blix play and march during Band Camp.

The band members learned their steps and notes.

Band Camp: VSHS invites public to performance at noon next Saturday, Aug. 12.

Band Camp finished on Saturday; the VSHS Band members are excited about the 2011 'Gladiator' show.

Mr. Smith leads the Band Camp.

The string of Division 1 ratings and other awards and honors earned by the Vinton-Shellsburg High School Marching Band is the result of hard work by the members -- work that begins weeks before the students resume classes.

Each year, Band Director Karl Smith holds a two-week Band Camp, where the members learn the show for the coming season. Nearly every member attends camp, juggling work and other summer schedules to allow for participation.

This year's camp began this week and continues until next Saturday, Aug. 12. On that day, the band will hold a rehearsal for all participants, including the parents who help with the backdrops and other equipment. That show will take place at noon at the soccer field right outside the high school; the public is invited.

On Thursday, Smith praised the band for "digging deep" to make progress on learning the new show.

"I am seeing a lot of hard work out there," he told the band as Thursday's rehearsal ended.

The band members have already put their video of Saturday's public performance on video via Youtube. See it below.

[VIDEO]