Weiser’s Proud Sound takes first in the 3A division

by Jamie Brown
 If you have been to any of the Wolverine home football games this year you are sure to have heard Weiser’s Proud Sound marching band playing in the stands. You may have also watched them perform their 2021 marching show entitled “A Long Time Ago:  The Music of Star Wars.” 
 The band culminated their competition season on Oct. 30 by playing on the blue turf at Boise State University for the Mel Shelton District III Marching Band Festival. They, along with 26 other bands, competed to see who the best in their respective divisions were. 
 For Weiser, competing in the 3A division, all the long practices and hard work paid off. The Proud Sound was able to bring home the first-place trophy as well as four other awards. 
 The band is under the direction of Jake Fortin and color guard coach Dorothy Milligan. 
 The 2021 marching season started in July with a weeklong band camp where they were assisted by Vincent Rhinehart on percussion and Chris Woods on brass. The drill was designed by Dr. Jonathan Sweet, a professor at Purdue University. 
 Their show featured the songs “Rey’s Theme”, “March of the Resistance”, and “Jedi Steps” which included a solo by junior Anna Field on trumpet. 
 The colorguard, dressed in tan and brown costumes, was reminiscent of Rey and the Jedi. Their visual elements included  brightly colored flags, light sabers and the band used the force to push drum major Jose Flores from the podium. 
 The band performed their first competition of the 2021 season in Kuna on Oct. 2 where Weiser placed fourth against Burley, Payette and Mountain Home.  Dr. Sweet visited Weiser on Oct. 11 to observe and correct any issues with the drill. 
 They then traveled to Ridgeview High School in Nampa on Oct. 23. There they competed in a division of one and brought home the first-place award. 
 At the District III competition they were awarded best musical performance, best percussion, best visual performance, first place for guard as well as first place overall in their division. 
 Weiser competed against Payette with their “If I Only” show that asks the question, what would have happened to the scare crow if Dorothy never came to Oz? 
 Homedale rounded out the 3A division with a show featuring punk rock music from the '90’s. 
 Payette was awarded second place overall and third place in guard, Homedale ended up in third place overall and second in guard.
 “I’m so proud of these kids,” said Fortin. “From the beginning of the year to now, we’re a completely different group. Winning is always hard, especially after not marching last year and basically having two classes of “freshmen.” They should all be incredibly proud of their accomplishments.”
 When asked his thoughts on the 2021 season, senior Carlos Arana said, “I’m sad it’s my last year marching with these guys. They are wonderful people. I’m proud of the freshman. They are becoming really good leaders and have really great potential to carry this band.”  
 Freshman Yahir Valdivia stated, “Coming in as a freshman it was hard for a little bit but now that we are all adjusted, I love the group I’m in. All the work that we’ve done from the end of July to now, it was definitely worth it.”
 This was guard member Jacob Verplanck’s first year helping with the choreography. “I tried to make it feel Star Warsy, so I had a lot of slashes and fighting elements,” said Verplanck. “I think we made a lot of progress with the show. This is my first time choreographing anything over a minute or two long. I think it turned out pretty good.”
 Percussionist Rickie Haynes said, “I thought the show was planned out and executed very well. The start was a bit dicey, but we really pulled through in the end, especially the drum line.”
 Moving forward beyond the marching season the band is working on getting ready for the Veteran’s Day assembly that will take place at the high school gym on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. They will also be working on their Christmas concert music and preparing for the basketball season and pep band. 
 

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