Watervliet Marching Band claims victory with "Ritual" Show at MCBA State Championships

This fall, the Watervliet High School Panther Marching Band presented their competitive field show, entitled “Ritual.” This show is based on Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring and original themes by Randall Standridge.

Rituals often take place at special times and places and remind a community of aspects of its worldview and history. The band’s show seeks to explore our connection to earth and nature, offer remembrance and gratitude, and honor the tradition of singing, dancing, and ceremonial events.

The Watervliet Marching Band is a member of the Michigan Competing Bands Association. MCBA is a competitive organization that hosts events throughout the state, culminating annually with the Championship Contest in early November. In this highly competitive circuit, member bands must compete in at least two qualifying shows and the championship Prelims which determine the performance order at the championship finals competition. The MCBA is divided into five flights based upon school enrollment, with Watervliet competing in Flight V.

A recap of the regular season reveals an impressive performance record for the Watervliet Marching Band. On Oct. 10, the band traveled to Paw Paw for the Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association District VI Marching Band Festival, where they once again received a Division 1 rating! On Oct. 14, they began their MCBA season with a trip to the Reeths-Puffer Westshore MCBA Invitational at Grandville High School. Watervliet took 1st Place and received the award for Best Music, Best Visual, and tied with Kent City for Best General Effect.

The Marching Band continued their competitions with a trip to the Jenison MCBA Competition on Oct. 21, placing 1st in Flight V receiving awards for Best Music, Best Visual, and Best General Effect. They then traveled to Grand Ledge to compete in the MCBA Prelims. They had an outstanding performance finishing in first place and securing the coveted last performance spot at the State Championships.

This past Saturday, Nov. 4, the Watervliet Marching Band made their 19th appearance at the MCBA State Championship competition at Ford Field in Detroit. In front of thousands of fans, the students delivered their strongest performance of the season. The Watervliet H.S. Marching Band placed 1st in Flight V and captured the Gold Medal! This is the first State Championship for the band!

Drum Majors for the band this year are Jacob Schaefer, Lydia Koshar, and Zack Gruszczyk. Ritual’s featured soloists (in order) were Gabby Wisdom (Clarinet), Lauren Lovell (Color Guard), Jordan Thon (Baritone), Sydnee Enders (Color Guard), Ben Ruland (Trombone), Moeko Crago (Color Guard), and Isabella Bultema (Clarinet). The band’s fall instructional staff includes Kari Stevens (Color Guard Design & Instruction), Kelsey Griffith and Saarah Schaefer (Color Guard), Logan Petruska and Emma Olson (Percussion), Benny VanRoekel, Connor Vance, and Mark Hollandsworth (Horn Line), and Ariona Wagner (Sound and Horn Line).

Senior Color Guard leader, Lauren Lovell, commented, “This season was my favorite by far. Everyone was very positive throughout the season and State was a spectacular end to my senior year in marching band. Marching Band has been the best part of high school for me.”

“Band has impacted my life through the many friendships I have gained. Band has taught me how to perform for other people and overcome nerves,” stated 8th grader, Nolan Weckwerth, who plays the synthesizer player in the pit percussion.

The band wishes to thank Watervliet Public Schools, the marching band instructional staff, and all the amazing parents and families who supported them this season.