Decorah Viking Marching Band wins its 11th straight Division 1 rating

The 125 member Decorah High School Marching Band, "The Pride of the Vikings," garnered their 11th consecutive Division I rating at the Iowa High School Music Association's State Marching Festival at Western Dubuque High School in Epworth on Saturday.

The band performed their fall show "Chase the Dream", the music of trumpet legend Bill Chase.

"It was a bit of a brutal day, weather-wise," commented DHS Band Director Jim Fritz.  "It was 37 degrees when we performed with a 20 mph northwest wind hitting the band right in the face.  However, the kids really focused and put on a magnificent show!"

The DHS Band scored one of the highest point totals in the 27 years Fritz has been band director at the school.

The DHS Pride of the Vikings Marching Band is under the direction of James L. Fritz who is assisted by Matt Cody, Liz Fritz, Jerry Dean, and Mark Kvale.  Drum majors are senior Claire Breitenstein, junior Alexis Hove, and junior Brad Suhr.  Colorguard captains are Kirsten Arneson, Randi-Kate Canoy, Brianna Carolan, and Brittany Hudson.  Soloists are senior trumpets Patrick Larson, Alex Bishop, and Maggie Locke along with senior alto saxophonist Noreen Gentry.

The band will give their final performance of the year at the home football game on Friday, October 19th, which is also band parent night.  Senior band members and their parents will be individually recognized following the band's performance.  The annual Music Boosters Chili Supper will occur prior to the game in the high school cafeteria.  Tickets will be available for sale from high school music students next week.