News : Band earns another Division 1 rating at State with \'Titanic\' theme

Band members participate in the cheer as they prepare for their performance.

The band gathered near the tank at Veterans Park near the stadium for warm-ups.

Will Hancock and others in the V-S percussion section warm up before the performance.

Seniors lead the VS Band in the traditional cheer before their performance at Kingston Stadium.

Percussionists prepare their equipment after arriving at Kingston Stadium.

Preparation takes longer than the 15 minutes the band has to play its music.

Drum Majors Wes Lyons and Logan Halstead lead the band onto the field.

The VS Band pays tribute to the Titanic, forming a shape similar to that of the famous ship.

Flag corps and the trumpet section members march together.

The band began working on its routine during Band Camp in August.

Where to march, which way to turn, and what to play are just part of what VS band musicians master.

A few membes of the brass section march and play together.

The band's final contest is next Saturday at Ankeny.

Drum Major Logan Halstead helps lead the band.

Drum Majors Logan and Wes salute to indicate that the band is ready to begin its show.

The band enters the performance area.

Flag corps members surround the band.

A variety of colors appears as flag corps members perform.

Flag corps members work hard to learn the proper ways to hold...

.....twirl...

....and carry their flags.

Drum Major Logan Halstead helps the band keep time.

A judge records comments as she evaluates the bands music and marching.

Megan Jorgensen plays her trumpet solo during the VS Marching Band's show at State on Saturday.

Nic Gardner plays his sax solo.

Emma Lippmann waits for the cue to play first notes for V-S.

The band awaits its turn in the tunnel at Kingston Stadium.

Kyra Blix plays mellophone as band performs.

The Vinton-Shellsburg Marching Band's 2010 show combine history and a variety of music not always played by marching bands as director Karl Smith and his musicians continue to enjoy another season of success.

The band earned another Division 1 rating at the Iowa State Band Festival Saturday at Kingston Stadium.

The band played songs from the musical "Titanic," including the opening score and a ragtime song.

"They did very well," said Mr. Smith after the performance.

"I am very proud of our V/S Band Students and Parents," Smith said. "They have put a lot of hard work and time into making the show the best it can be. The conditions were very tough Saturday due to the record heat, but the students and parents really persevered and put on a great performance. I am very proud that the band has improved with every rehearsal and performance. That is our goal as a department. Now, we take the judge's comments and suggestions for improvement, and prepare the best we can for next Saturday's event at Ankeny."

This, said Smith is the Vinton-Shellsburg Band Department's 5th straight Division I rating at the State Marching Festival. This is the band's 6th straight school year of achieving a Division I rating at a State event (marching band, concert band, and/or jazz band). This is the 14th Division I rating (marching band, jazz band and concert band) in school history, according to Smith.

The weather has been a factor in the past few years. This year, with the temperature in the 80s, a few performers suffered heat exhaustion. One VS flag corps member needed some attention after the peformance. Similar heat caused similar problems a couple years ago, but last year, the temperature was in the 30s and a little snow had fallen on the field the morning before the show.

The band ends its competition season this Saturday at the Mid-Iowa invitational in Ankeny.