FDSH band finishes strong
Earns top scores in last two competitions
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The Fort Dodge All-American Marching Band wrapped up its competition season on Saturday inside Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers earned a Division I rating, which is the highest available ranking.
"I thought it went very well," said Fort Dodge band director Al Paulson, who is in his 13th season at FDSH. "We performed well and met our expectations."
Humboldt was also in attendance and also earned a Division I rating.
The Dodgers turned in a strong performance during a busy homecoming week, which included the dance on Saturday.
"They've been great all year dealing with adverse conditions," Paulson said. "This isn’t the first time the state competition has been on homecoming, but at least it wasn't a night show.
"A lot of kids were here most of the day for the contest and then we got out as quickly as possible."
Fort Dodge head drum major Brooklyn Kaloupek was pleased with the band's efforts.
"Saturday's performance was phenomenal, and definitely a great close to our competitive season," Kaloupek said. "I feel that even just within the last week we have made drastic improvements to earn us the Division I rating."
Paulson challenged his band, which is 152 members strong, to a different and more difficult type show with "Web of Lies."
"I wanted to go in a different direction," Paulson said before the season started. "I chose this show because it was a Bands of America type of show, which would stretch the band and take it to a new level.
"It really shows the strength of certain areas of the band."
With the conclusion of the season, Paulson was pleased with his decision.
"We made a great choice," Paulson said. "The kids enjoyed the show and met every expectation, and the execution was great. They rose to the occasion."
The Dodgers entered the state competition coming off one of their best performances of the season at the 78th annual Band Day Festival in Algona.
The event featured 15 area marching bands.
The band defended its titles from last season, earning grand champions, best in Class 4A, best winds and best percussion.
"It's fun to go somewhere with the expectations we had for a band audience," Paulson said. "We're on the field with 15 other bands and waiting on the field to defend our title.
"We were getting them pumped up and focused and ready for that."
Paulson had the Dodgers ready to go, preparing them for a chance at a repeat.
"We came in like a college marching band," Paulson said. "Two by two and as a unit with over 150 kids. When we were walking in, we stretched over two blocks. When we were walking in, I heard a couple of people say 'Oh my gosh' at the size of our band.
"It was like an intimidation factor and that was a fun moment to know we were the big dogs, and we wanted to maintain that."
The Dodger marching band was led by Kaloupek and classmates Jenson Litwiller and Greyson Chance and junior Charlotte DeJong as the drum majors.
"They are a great group of kids," Paulson said. "Brooklyn gets them going and doesn't mess around. The other three have become teachers as well and they all contribute.
"They've done a great job and I can't be any more proud of them."
It was the final competition for the three senior drum majors.
"Within our season, it was clear our leadership team was making a positive impact on our members, which allowed the band to sail smoothly," Kaloupek said. "The thought of it being practically over is bittersweet, but I couldn't have asked for a better group or show to end this marching season."