Pierce High Band
PHS Holds Marching Band Festival
by Angelica Volquardsen
The Pierce High marching band performed and received a superior rating in its Marching Festival on Wednesday, October 4, at the high school football field. The Jays hosted bands from Schuyler, Crofton, O’Neill, and Wayne.
Pierce’s band did not perform competitively but instead as an exhibition. They received a Division I from the judges. Also receiving Division I were Crofton (who placed 1st), O’Neill, and Wayne. Schuyler received a Division II.
Pierce band director Michael Sindt said, “I thought we stepped it up from Friday night [when the band performed after the Wayne football game]. We just have to keep stepping it up, in step, for our final three performances. The highlights of the performance were the moments where marching and music combined as one to make a fantastic impact on our overall performance.”
The PHS marching band’s next competition will be the Ashland Marching Festival on Saturday, October 14.
Bands Take Top Finishes in Lions Club Parade
by Angelica Volquardsen
The high school and junior high bands marched in the Lions Club Parade in Norfolk on Saturday, September 30. Both took 1st in their divisions.
The high school band marched in the Lions Club Parade for the first time in over 20 years. The high school band received 1st in class B. In their performance, they played a drum cadence and a selected song from their marching band performance, Paul Simon Opener. “We are off to a great start,” said director Michael Sindt. “There are a few things to fix before we go to Harvest of Harmony and Grand Island.”
The junior high band marched in the Lions Club Parade, as well, and received 1st place. They marched to a drum cadence and played “The Magnificent Seven.” “I thought their musicality was right on, and more people marched in step and consistently than in practice,” said Sindt.
The high school band will be in action again on Saturday, October 7, in Grand Island for a competition.
Junior, Senior High Band Plays at Friday Football Game
by Angelica Volquardsen
The junior and senior high bands marched during the varsity football game against Wayne on Friday, September 29.
The junior high band performed during halftime of the game, marching along the track. Their performance helped them prepare for the upcoming Lions Club Parade competition. “They marched and played phenomenally,” said band director Michael Sindt.
The high school band performed their marching band season performance after the game on Friday. The band has several competitions ahead of it in October, so this was a good chance for practice. “For their first public performance, it was outstanding. We still have a few details to work out, but it will keep getting better,” said Sindt.
Both bands’ next performances were in the Lions Club Parade the following day. The next high school band’s marching contest will be held on Saturday, October 7, in Grand Island.
