Weiser High School’s Proud Sound dominated DIII

Weiser High School’s Proud Sound marching band finished a three week run of marching competitions on Saturday, Oct. 21, at the 2023 Mel Shelton District III Marching Festival, dominating the 3A division with “bests” in  visual performance, music performance, and general effect, plus taking firsts in both auxiliary (colorguard) and overall within the division.

 Performing on the blue turf in Albertsons Stadium at Boise State University, and with a total of 27 schools in five classifications, Weiser topped Payette and Homedale in the 3A field. Payette placed second behind Weiser in overall performance, with Homedale coming in third. The two schools flipped their placings in auxiliary, with Homedale second, and Payette third, and Payette received the best percussion award.

 The Proud Sound first took their show on the road back on Sept. 30, at the US Bands Showcase held at Caldwell High School, finishing the day with wins all the way around, taking firsts in best visual, best music, best general effect, and first place overall.

 Two weeks later, Oct. 14, they competed in the Treasure Valley Festival of bands held at Ridgevue High School in Nampa, once again, sweeping their division with best visual, best music, best general effect, best colorguard, best percussion, and first place.

 This year’s program “Locomotion” centered around the theme of an old steam engine heading west. Preparing for fall competition, most years band members start practicing each year’s  new program during band camp, held the first week of August. By the time the first home football game is played, the musicians and colorguard are presenting the music and marching routine in real time in front of a live audience.

 Successful marching bands aren’t new to the WHS legacy. Under the leadership of band director Jake Fortin since 2013, this year’s DIII win is a repeat of both 2022 and 2021. During the past 12 marching seasons, the Proud Sound has won DIII a total of six times, Fortin said.

 Moving from marching competitions, the band program’s jazz musicians presented their first performance on Tuesday evening, Oct. 24, in the WHS auditorium. The next opportunity for audiences to enjoy them is coming up on Dec. 18, at 7 p.m., during the band department’s holiday show.

 Congratulations to the entire Weiser High School Proud Sound on a successful 2023 season!