State and Championships

E.B.F.H.S Marching Band Wins Championships!!

On Saturday, Oct. 17th, the Eddyville-Blakesburg High School Marching Band placed 1st in class 2A at the Mid-Iowa Marching Band Championships in Ankeny for the 19th time in the last 21 years. EBF’s score of 60.7 was only 2 points ahead of the nearest competitor. The band was also presented with the Outstanding Drumline and Color Guard Trophies. Earlier in the day, the E.B.F.H.S. Marching Band competed at the State Marching Band Contest in Pella where they earned their 30th consecutive Division I rating with a score of 75.2.

The E.B.F.H.S. Band had an excellent season this year placing 1st in class 2A competition at five different contests. The band outscored over 30 other bands in all classes during the season.

. On September 26th the band competed at the Marching Dutch Invitational in Pella and outscored a total of 10 other bands. The band placed 1st in class 2A with a score of 67.4, eight points ahead of the closest 2A band. On October 3rd, the EBFHS Marching Band placed 1st in class 2A competition at the Urbandale Marching Invitational. EBF was eight points ahead of the closest competitor. The band also received the 2A Outstanding Drumline and Color Guard trophies. Andrew Hart was named as the Outstanding Marcher of the band. On October 10th the band placed 1st in the Valleyfest and Showdown Competitions in West Des Moines. EBF won the Valleyfest 2A competition with a score of 61, 7 points ahead of the nearest competitor. Eddyville Blakesburg Fremont also won the Outstanding Marching and Maneuvering, Hornline, Drumline, Color Guard, and Soloist of the Day Awards. Delanee Van Zante was chosen as the Outstanding Soloist in class 2A. Maggie Voyles was selected as the Outstanding Marcher in the EBF Marching Band.

In the evening contest, the “Showdown” of bands, the E.B.F.H.S. placed 1st in class C with a score of 55.9. This is the 21st consecutive year that the band has placed 1st at the “Showdown” Contest. The band also won the Outstanding Drumline, Marching, Hornline, Color Guard, and Soloist trophies. Delanee Van Zante was once again honored with the Outstanding Soloist Trophy for her alto sax solos.

The E.B.H.S. Marching Band has 67 members this year. The Drum Majors are Claire Jager and Grace Manternach. The Soloists for this year’s show are Delanee Van Zante, Bridget DeWitt, Adlynn Eveland, Claire Jager, Teri Jo Lane, and Tayler Jones.

Director Joe Overton was overheard making these comments: This has been an awesome marching band season. This band worked so hard since July all the way until the end. They have so much heart and pride and that is what makes it fun!! Thank you chaperones, bus drivers, music boosters, parents, friends, family, custodians, teachers, and administrators for all of your support!!