On October 9th, The Wolfpack Marching Band took home first place at The Marengo Marching Band Competition. On top of that enormous victory, the band won best woodwinds, brass, and percussion.

The band’s show this year was titled, “Resurrection,” with three songs within the show. The first song, “Birth,” is fast-paced with a feeling of purpose. The first song features, surprisingly enough, the birth of a phoenix, with a dance solo by Izzy Beck.

The next song, “Ashes,” is slower, and more remorseful because the phoenix is dying. It features a trumpet solo by Michael Randles and a dance solo by Grace Morgan. Michael said that preparing a solo for a marching show is, “definitely not an easy task. Not only do you have to try to be artistically impressive with the music, but you have to be physically prepared to play when you’re trying to catch your breath after the first drill!” But he also said that, “the coolest thing about having a solo is when you really get it together and are able to leave an impression for the band. It’s all about what you can contribute to the show.”

The last song, “Resurrection,” brings back similar ideas from “Birth.” The phoenix is reborn from the ashes, and the audience is left feeling empowered by the intense, passionate music. The song features a dance solo by color guard captain, Bailey Schneyr. When asked about the solo, Bailey said that “being able to have the last solo in marching band this year was really exciting, as I’ve never been a good dancer. It made me so happy to be able to “be” the Phoenix, representing the symbolism of the last song, that after the Phoenix dies, it comes back stronger and brighter!”

All the dance solos were choreographed by Juan Montoya. Montoya marched with the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps. Montoya and Mrs. Val Kundmann were the color guard instructors this year.

The band has come a long way from learning the show back in August, and this recent victory at Marengo is proof of their hard work. This is the fourth year in a row that the band has won first at Marengo, which is due to Mr. Blakewell and other adults’ help.

Mr. Blakewell, the band director, said that, “The Wolfpack Marching Band took on a challenge this year with the most formations we have ever had and difficult music. The Band worked hard throughout the season, improving at every competition. The students were rewarded for their efforts with a first place finish in their final competition of the season.”