• Article Photo. Claire Andreesen plays a sax solo at the State event.
    Claire Andreesen plays a sax solo at the State event.
  • Article Photo. The VSHS band's 'Gladiator' show earned another Division 1 rating at State Festival Saturday.
    The VSHS band's 'Gladiator' show earned another Division 1 rating at State Festival Saturday.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo. Matt Walston and others perform.
    Matt Walston and others perform.
  • Article Photo. Alyssa Cantrell, Matt Lash and Emma Clingman perform with the band.
    Alyssa Cantrell, Matt Lash and Emma Clingman perform with the band.
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo. The flag corps members wave their banners.
    The flag corps members wave their banners.
  • Article Photo. The 2011 VSHS Marching Band.
    The 2011 VSHS Marching Band.
  • Article Photo. Leaving the field after the performance....
    Leaving the field after the performance....
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo. The senior members pose for a photo after the performance.
    The senior members pose for a photo after the performance.

 

     Congratulations to the Vinton-Shellsburg Marching Band students and parents.  The band received their 6th straight Marching Band Division I rating at State Marching Band on Saturday.  They earned a total evaluation score of 84.7, which is the second highest point total at state marching band festival in school history.  I think this is one of the biggest accomplishments the students have achieved over my eight years here because of the number of adjustments the students had to make due to several band members who had to miss the performance.  
 
     I'd also like to thank all of the parents that helped out in chaperoning, moving equipment, driving the the trailer or attending the event to cheer on our kids.  Your support is truly appreciated.
 
     Next week is the Waukee Marching Invitational which is the last marching band competition of the season. It should be a great show with some other excellent bands to watch! The marching band's final performance will be during the VS / Union football game on Friday, October 21.  The senior members of the band will be among those recognized that evening.
 
     Overall, the students do have a lot to celebrate this week after their accomplishments this past weekend.  Congrats!
    (Photos courtesy of Pat and Nancy Jorgensen and Jan Andreesen)