Band director Scott Weber is always the loudest fan in the crowd. He had reason to cheer this past Saturday as the Marching Mustangs took first in class 3A bands and received Best Color Guard and Best Horn Line at the Fort Madison competition. 

The Mustangs started the morning loading on to three very crowded buses and four trailers headed for Fort Madison uncertain if they would get to perform due to the immense amount of rain heading their way. After their Monday night rehearsal and many changes made to the show, they prayed for a miracle. 

As the Mustang fans cheered, the band took the field. Kayla Wallace, the Mustangs’ junior drum major, went on the field with passion and determination. “I felt strong and felt we could do anything. We have worked so hard to be where we are and nothing will stop us from reaching that goal this band is different from the rest,” Wallace said.

Weber told his band in class that he’s never had such an advanced band at this point in a season. Ellie Barkalow, The Mustangs’ sophomore drum major, said, “The improvement keeps on coming through every rehearsal. The music is better the movements are sharper and the overall performance is there. We just need to keep pushing forward and use every practice as best we can not wasting any time.  With that the arena will come alive.” 

With no worries about the upcoming performance Sept. 28,  Weber feels the marching band has a chance against one of their biggest rivals, Clear Creek Amana.