Band continues inaugural preparation at indoor arena

Mayor Leland proclaims Maroon and Gold Day in honor of students

Published Monday, January 12, 2009

“Yankee Doodle Dandy” came to the Red Horse Ranch Arena (RHRA) Saturday morning. That’s where the Fergus Falls High School marching band took advantage of the opportunity to play, march and sing at the 400-foot-long indoor arena.

The practice session at RHRA was another big step in the marching band’s preparation for participation in the Obama inaugural parade Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C. The band is confident its unique rendition of “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” which includes a mix of vocals, will be a hit on the national stage.

Director Scott Kummrow was pleased with the practice session that ran for 2-1/2 hours at the indoor arena northeast of Fergus Falls.

“Things are shaping up really well,” Kummrow said. “Every student continues to work hard. We’ll stay focused during the next several days.”

Director Jim Iverson, during a break Saturday morning at the arena, said he also was pleased with the practice session that ran until 11 a.m.

“We’re compensating for some things that are different here (RHRA) than what we’ll experience along Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington,” Iverson said. “It’s an exciting time for all of us.”

Band members themselves appreciated the opportunity to practice Saturday at the Red Horse Ranch Arena.

“This place (RHRA) is a lot bigger inside than I expected,” said junior Sarah Johnson, who plays trumpet in the marching band. “It’s good that we’re here to get in some additional practice time.”

Derick Viger, a sophomore who plays alto saxophone, agrees with Johnson.

“Coming here to the horse arena and practicing has been fun,” he said, “and there’s lots of room.”

The marching band is excited about playing at halftime during Thursday’s girls basketball game at the Fergus Falls High School gymnasium. This will be the official send-off for the band which on Friday will head for the East Coast.

“As for more marching, we’ll practice Saturday and Monday morning at Carlisle, Pa., where we’ll be staying,” said Iverson. “We’ll be about two hours of driving time from the nation’s capital.”

Among those practicing Saturday was freshman Matthew Jacobson, a trombone player and grandson of new Fergus Falls Mayor Hal Leland and his wife, Donna Mae. The mayor has proclaimed Friday, Jan. 16, as Maroon and Gold Day in Fergus Falls in honor of the high school marching band.

“I can’t say enough good things about the participating students along with band leaders Jim Iverson, Scott Kummrow, Denise Wiese and everyone involved,” Leland said during a brief talk to those assembled at RHRA. “You’ll be ambassadors for our community in Washington, D.C. You’re now an elite band and will represent us with pride in the upcoming presidential inauguration.”

Several parents of band members also attended the practice session. Among them were Tracey and Dave Eliason whose son, Erik, a senior, plays baritone.

Tracy Eliason has been a volunteer helping the band for about seven years. She assists with uniforms, helps out at practices and has worked with the band at several parades over the years. An older son, Andy, also was a band member at FFHS.

Randy and Vera Carlson watched as their daughter, Sophie, a sophomore, played the trumpet. Another daughter, Hanna, a 2008 FFHS grad, was a member of the drumline.

Parents Mark and Michelle Jorgenson also were at RHRA. Their daughter, Ashley, is a freshman member of the flag guard.

“It will be nice to follow the band will all of the technology that’s available,” Michelle Jorgenson said.

After 2-1/2 hours of hard work, band members were treated to lunch of sloppy Joe’s, chips and apples at Red Horse Ranch Arena. Several businesses and organizations made donations to pay for the lunch.

Jesse Thorstad, the band’s drumline director and a technology specialist with the Fergus Falls school district, will use online services to help parents and community members follow the band on an hour-by-hour basis.

Links to Twitter, Flickr.com and FirePin are available at www.isd544.org/band.

The Daily Journal also will cover the band’s trip with articles, blog entries, photos and audio stories from Jan. 16-21.

Visit www.fergusfallsjournal.com for more information.

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