Marching Band Wrap-Up
by David Clark
October 20, 2009
ALL-STATE
All-State auditions took place on Saturday the 24th of October. Katelyn Larsen (flute), Michelle Larsen (clarinet), and Blake Gunderson (trumpet) all worked very hard to prepare themselves for the nerve-racking audition. Students memorized 13 scales and were asked to play a solo and two pre-selected musical etudes in front of the state judges. No Underwood students were accepted this year but the efforts that they undertook will help to strengthen the quality of music heard from the Underwood band program.
2009 Marching Band Wrap-Up
The Underwood Eagle Marching Band, under the direction of David Clark, flag choreographer Addie Dorsch and drum majors Alaina Rogers and Kelsey Sorlien, had a great marching season. The Eagles opened up at the Clarinda Band Jamboree taking home first place trophies for class 2A in both the parade and field marching competitions. The individual outstanding marching award was given to junior trumpet player Zach Hall.
The second competition was the Dutchmen Field Competition in Orange City Iowa. The band was struck by the flu bug that week and was forced to withdraw from the competition.
The final competition is always the state marching competition and the Eagles were trying to extend their Division I rating streak to 5 years in a row. This year the contest was hosted by Lewis Central High School. The Eagles “Rise and Shine” fundraiser helped to raise money for instruments and equipment throughout the year. The winning ticket was drawn and the morning of the state competition the band traveled to Elementary Principal Jeff Privia's and Middle School teacher Christine Privia's house for a 6:30 a.m. full show warm-up.
Following the fundraiser the band packed up for state and headed to Lewis Central. The band marched very well and put on their best performance of the year, resulting in a Division I rating. Congratulations Seniors: Kristen Bracker, Daniel Darnold, Katelyn Larsen, Mitch McKinney, Caitlyn Miller, Adam Snyder, Mallory Goodsell, Samantha McKern, Alaina Rogers and Tylene Rhoades.
A special thanks to the Underwood Music Boosters and the community for all of its support each year and for making everything that we do a success.
