Waukon Marching Band earns first Division I rating in 50 years at State Marching Band Festival ...

The Waukon High School Marching Band participated in the Iowa High School Music Association State Marching Band Festival Saturday, October 12 at Senior High School in Dubuque. This is the fourth consecutive year the band has participated in the State Festival after a 30-plus year hiatus from the event. Performing in front of a panel of six judges, the Marching Indians received a Division I rating, the first Division I rating for the marching band program in 50 years.

Director Jo Ann Sherman stated, “This group of students has been willing to put in the work to achieve a performance of this level. We had 100% participation at our summer marching camp and at our two night rehearsals. The students were willing to take criticism and use that information to improve their performance.  This is so important as we work to clean drill. The seniors and the squad leaders have been true leaders this season. This rating would not have been possible without their knowledge and leadership on the field. I’m so proud of all these students. They have accomplished something that their parents cannot even lay claim to - a Division I rating at State Marching Band.”

The Marching Indians finished their season October 18 at the final home football game at Waukon High School. The next performance for the band program will be December 16 at its annual holiday concert. Submitted photo.