MENNO BAND DAY RETURNING OCT. 9
This week Friday, Oct. 9, nine area bands will take to the streets of Menno for the 12th Menno Band Day. Many precautions for COVID-19 are being taken as bands participate in this street-marching competition and the drumline battle at the football field.
There will be three classes based on band size. The bands in Class C are: Gayville-Volin, Elkton-Lake Benton and Avon. The bands in Class B are Scotland and Centerville. The bands in Class A are: Sioux Falls Christian, Platte-Geddes and Castlewood.
The band parade starts at 10 a.m., with the Menno Wolves’ marching band leading the way. Class C bands will then take the street, followed by Class B, and then Class A. Bands will start their route at the corner of East Heil St. and South High St., proceeding west until South Fifth St. Bands will then march south on South Fifth St. until Juniper St. and turn right, marching past bands that marched prior to them and ending the route.
A ‘Band Day Program’ may be purchased. Booklets will contain information on each marching band (in order of their performance), as well as information on all sponsors contributing to this year’s event.
Bands participating in competition will be judged by three judges: Aaron Ragsdale, Todd Cranson and Grant Manhart. Scores will be given in the areas of marching execution, music execution and general effect.
Additionally, four caption awards will be presented to the outstanding winds, outstanding percussion, outstanding color guard and outstanding drum majors.
The Crowd-Pleaser Award is given to the most entertaining performance of the day.
Finally, the Sweepstakes Award will be given to the best scoring performance of the day. In addition, a Crowd Favorite award will be given to the winner of the drumline battle based on crowd reaction.
Upon the conclusion of the parade, all band members and community members are invited to the Menno High School football field for a drumline battle. Community members are encouraged to bring their own chairs for sitting at the field to help with social distancing. The battle will be between the drumlines from each school and the crowd will decide the winner.
Immediately following the drumline battle, trophies sponsored by Ray’s Mid-Bell Music of Sioux City, Iowa will be presented to the first- and second-place bands in each class. The overall caption awards, Crowd Pleaser and Sweepstakes will also be presented. There will be concessions available at the football field provided by the Menno Music Boosters. All proceeds support the Menno Music Boosters.
Menno’s Fifth Street will be closed the morning of the marching competition. There will be no parking on Fifth Street or anywhere along the parade route.
