Decorah High School Marching Band sets its sights on a 10th consecutive Division 1 rating

All photos courtesy of Erv & Maureen Yahr

The Decorah High School "Pride of the Vikings" Marching Band will be competing for their 10th consecutive Division I rating when they perform at the State Marching Band Contest in Waterloo on Saturday, October 8th.  The entire 2011 Fall Marching Season is being dedicated to volunteer drum line instructor Jerry Dean.  JD has stage 4 colon cancer and is recovering from major surgery as well as the chemotherapy.  "THIS ONE'S FOR YOU, JD!!!"

This year's marching band has 120 members.  Drum Majors are Claire Breitenstein, Kaitlyn Yahr and Colin Zidlicky.  Colorguard leaders are Brittany Hudson, Emily Markee, Brianna Carolan, Rand-Kate Canoy and Kirsten Arneson.
 
This year's show highlights the music of Earth, Wind and Fire, including the songs "In the Stone," "Fantasy," "Getaway" and "September."  Trumpet player Patrick Larson performs a solo, the drum line does another solo and the entire band dances "the Hustle."

Earth, Wind and Fire created a new brand of pop music that used African and African-American styles, particularly jazz and R&B.  Their music bridged the gap that has often separated the musical tastes of black and white America.  Their popularity has endured--earlier this month they released their 32nd album.  Based out of Chicago, Illinois, Earth, Wind and Fire still has a busy touring schedule.

DHS Marching Band Director Jim Fritz (in the back)