The Fort Dodge band hosted the State Marching Band Festival on Saturday inside Dodger Stadium.

The Dodger band, over 135 students strong, put on their performance with music from Simon and Garfunkel.

The festival scores were ratings and not head-to-head competition. The Dodgers earned a Division I rating in Class 4A.

“They (band) were outstanding,” said Fort Dodge Band Director Al Paulson. “They were outstanding last weekend and they continue to perform outstandingly. I couldn’t be more proud.”

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
Fort Dodge drum majors (left to right) Owen Hamlow, Manuela Rodriguez, Brooklyn Kaloupek, and Leif Hamilton perform during the State Marching Band Festival on Saturday inside Dodger Stadium.

It was the final day of competition for the 27 Fort Dodge seniors.

“Our senior leadership is outstanding,” Paulson said. “Most of our section leaders are seniors and they’ve worked hard to develop their section on the field.”

This was the third straight weekend the Dodgers put on a performance. Two weeks ago, Fort Dodge hosted the North Central Iowa Marching Band Clinic and Competition. At the competition, the Dodgers earned best brass section and first place in Class 4A.

At the 77th annual Algona Band Day Festival, Fort Dodge was awarded the grand championship. They were also the 4A winners, top winds and horn line, along with top drum line.

Fort Dodge has put together a strong color guard and drum line.

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
The All American Dodger Marching Band performs during State Band Festival on Saturday inside Dodger Stadium.

“Chelsea (Olson) has done a great job of getting the color guard where it is at,” Paulson said. “Eric (Hanson) is a drum guy and he is doing a great job with the line.”

The Dodgers have been led by senior drum majors Manuela (head), Owen Hamlow and Leif Hamilton.

“Our senior drum majors do an outstanding job,” Paulson said. “We had 11 or 12 students audition for three spots (for this year) and we’re looking forward to that again in 2026.

“Junior Brooklyn Kaloupek will take the head podium next year.”

Fort Dodge was one of eight sites around the state to host state band events.

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
Humboldt Wild Cat Marching Band performs during State Band Festival on Saturday inside Dodger Stadium.

Inside Dodger Stadium both Humboldt and Algona received Division I ratings in Class 3A. Emmetsburg (SC) and Bishop Garrigan (II) competed in Class 2A and 1A respectively.

The Dodgers will be back on the field on Friday night inside Dodger Stadium. The FDSH band will play halftime of Fort Dodge’s Homecoming game against Le Mars. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.