Last Saturday, the Marching Bulldogs competed at the annual WSMA State Marching Band competition, held at UW-Whitewater. Their score of 75.81 out of 100 is the highest they have earned in years.

Over 30 bands from around the state competed, and the band was ranked 5th in the AAA division and 15th overall.

Their show, “Across the Universe,” included movements “Jupiter” and “Mars” from Gustav Holst’s “The Planets Suite for Orchestra” and the song “Across the Universe” by The Beatles.

The band began their rehearsals during a week of band camp at the end of July. They performed at football games and weekend competitions where they were scored against other bands in their division. 

Band director Andrew Westgate said,  “We have a phenomenal group of students this year, and I feel like people are working together.” 

Along with Westgate, the band is led by colorguard instructor Jacquie Ystesund, drumline instructor Nolan Ystesund, and drum majors seniors Jack De Lone and Joseph Myers, and junior Charlie Plante.

The Marching Bulldogs won second place in their division at the Greendale Marching Invitational Oct. 5, which is significant, according to Westgate, since they competed against some of the highest ranking bands in the state.

De Lone said he will mostly miss the community once he graduates. He said he always loves going into the band room and seeing everyone. “Most of the time we’re all excited to be there,” De Lone said. 

The band will perform “Across the Universe” for the final time Dec. 17 at the Winter Band Concert.