PC Summer Marching Band Makes History

Park Center’s Summer Marching Band made history with its recent undefeated season. The Marching Pirates were 1st Place Grand Champions in each of their 10 competitive parades this past May and June. It’s the kind of season the students dream of—perfect!

Time and again students talk of the pride they feel marching in a parade with the Park Center Band. The feeling one has performing for thousands of appreciative spectators is like no other. But there is more! Along with the feeling of knowing you’ve done your best, is the thrill of a Grand Champion Trophy—especially at a prestigious national parade or at Alexandria, the “Super Bowl” of our activity.

What’s the competition all about?

At competitive parades, a panel judges each band. Judged captions include:

• Music Execution – How well we play our song. Accurate notes, rhythms, interpretation, dynamic contrasts, and command of technical passages.

• Music Effect – How well does our music “grab the audience?” What feeling does a listener experience?

• Visual Execution – Our marching techniques are judged here. Are we in step? How well is equipment handled? Are the visual moves in sync? Judges look at our body posture and carriage as well as dignity and bearing.

• Visual Effect – Judges look at how the visual aspect of our show moves them. Does the visual maneuvering compliment the music? Is there a visual “wow factor?” Bands will generally compete with others in ‘classes’ defined by overall school population. A band could get first place in their class as well as “Grand Champion Band” which is the high score of all bands in the parade regardless of class. Occasionally additional trophies for best drum line, best color guard, best drum majors or best winds are presented as well. The award ceremony can definitely be an exciting finish to performing in the parade.

Senior Drum Majors were proud to say that they were grand champs for their last year of marching band.

“Every time you pull up to a parade, everyone’s watching what you do and trying to figure out what your secret is,” Bjorn said.

Actually, there isn’t much of a secret at all, just focus and hard work. Students come to rehearsal locked into what they need to accomplish. For 2 ½ hours, twice a week they consistently put forth the effort needed to make them the champions they are.

The Marching Pirates biggest competition all season came from the Waconia High School Marching Band and the Mankato Area 77 Lancers. But this was the year of the Pirates. Park Center also came out on top when going up against intra-district rivals. Neither Osseo or Maple Grove could touch Park Center when it came to performing on the streets.

Following their competitive parade season in Minnesota, the band traveled to Orlando, Florida where they proudly represented their school in the Magic Kingdom’s Spectro-Magic Light Parade and at EPCOT in the World Fest March. In addition to their performances, students enjoyed three days in Disney Theme Parks, two days at Universal Studios, and a day a Cocoa Beach. It was truly a memorable trip and season for all.

The Marching Pirates Winning Season

• North Iowa Band Festival, Mason City, IA: First Place Class AAAA

• Father Hennepin Festival Parade, Champlin: First place.

• Lake Waconia Band Festival: Grand Champion, People’s Choice, First Place Class AAA, best Wind Section, Color Guard, and Drum Line

• Winona Steamboat Days Parade: First Place Class AA, Best Color Guard, Drum line, and Wind Section. Best Drum Majors.

• Foley Fun Days Parade: Grand Champion.

• Milaca Gateway to the North Parade: Grand Champion, First Place Class AAA, Best Drum line and Color Guard.

• Rapid River Days Parade, Sauk Rapids: First Place Class AAA.

• Osseo Marching Band Festival: Grand Champion, First Place Class AAA, Best Wind Section.

• Vikingland Band Festival, Alexandria: Grand Champion, First Place Class AAA, and Best Wind Section.