The Mitchell High School marching band finished sixth in the finals of the Dutchmen Field Championship in Orange City, Iowa, after placing fourth in the 4A preliminary round among the largest competing schools. Mitchellrepublic.com reported that 28 high schools competed at the event.
Band director Joel Van Peursem told the publication the students delivered their best performance of the year, with strong musical energy and dynamics that also translated visually. He said the band had improved in areas targeted in recent weeks and that students enjoyed competing against several schools considerably larger than Mitchell.
The day began early with the band marching in Mitchell’s Blue and White Days parade, part of Dakota Wesleyan University’s homecoming. Van Peursem said the schedule is tiring, particularly for brass players, but students value performing for a receptive home crowd.
Van Peursem said he is proud of the students’ willingness to improve. The band will perform its rescheduled Lights Out show Friday at Joe Quintal Field before concluding its competition season Saturday at the Omaha Marching Invitational. This week, rehearsals will focus on musical intensity through phrase endings and individual marching technique.
For more information, visit mitchellrepublic.com.