Roadies Give "Pole-ished" Performance in Season's Final Halftime Show

Posted October 25
In case you missed the half-time extravaganza at Tuesday night's LHS playoff game, a few Roadies put on a show that won't soon be forgotten (unlike the football game which I think we'd all like to forget).

Well, the scheming all started Monday morning after Mr. Carlson made the decision to do a horn arc instead of the full show. That sent the wheels turning about how we could use the power poles somehow in the show. So we went ahead and hauled them to HWF and figured we'd figure something out (had to bring the truck and uniform trailer anyway). So we assembled a few poles,
grabbed a few roadies, conceived a brilliant drill on the sandy patch underneath the spruce trees, and...

To the surprise of Mr. C and most of the band, eight Roadies (Scott Feltis, Angie Digatono, Tom Reed, Robert Schlup, Dean Versteeg, Tim Dykstra, Chuck Stanga, and Jeff Goddard) drug Power Poles out onto the field while the band was playing and performed our show. We not only included the opening Standard "V", but also transversed into the difficult Inverted "V", executed a perfect goal line race, Circled-the-Wagons, spun off into a full company front, maintained nearly perfect synchronization in pulling out our cell phones during the 'dead' time, knocked the poles over and converted the lights to 'Flashing' mode after the 22 count delay (a crowd pleaser), and then trumped the stands as the band left the track.

Undoubtedly the highlight of the show was that Tom Reed screwed a large plastic owl to the top cross-bar of his power pole. Several kids in the horn arc noticed it as we walked in and they turned around and got quite a laugh out of it.

While we were on the field doing our show, Jeff actually called Neil (who was in Fargo and unfortunately, or thankfully?, couldn't be there to enjoy the festivities). His response says it all: "You're doing what? There is now no doubt, you have absolutely lost your mind!" .... yup. Well said.

All-in-all it was a very fun and entertaining way to end the season, but I'm not sure we've seen the end of the power poles yet!

Season Wraps Up With Chicken Dinners and Indoor Concerts


Posted October 30
The 2007 Lincoln Marching Band season ended on high notes with the two-day festivities at the annual Chicken Dinners and Indoor Concerts held at Lincoln High School.

The dinner-goers were treated to the traditional chicken dinner meal.

The band performed the entire show, as well as "Go Daddy Go", Gonna Fly Now", and "School Days", as well as "On The Mall" and "America South".

Pats Win! Pats Win! Pats Win!


Posted October 21
The Lincoln band capped their 2007 competitive season with a sweepstakes win at Quad States in the DakotaDome in Vermillion on Saturday, October 20th. The Patriots scored a 91.2, and swept the caption awards en-route to the victory. And the band finished off the day with a parking lot horn arc of America South (sans drum line).

The day started out cool and crisp at the USF field, where the marchers clearly showed the rust of the weather-related week-long layoff. But by the end of the rehearsal, the sound and lines were better, and the group raced off after 9 to load at Lincoln.

After a delay getting the buses together on I-229 (and a quick attachment of the trailer lights on bus 1) the trip went smoothly to Vermillion, and was punctuated by a white bus flattening a sign in the parking lot. It was a gorgeous fall day on campus, despite the band and volunteers nearly eaten alive by the Asian beetles and little black gnats during warm ups.

The Roadies had a record number of helpers (7 individuals moved the sign alone) and most of the day went well. The height of the Dome doors allowed the props to be assembled outside and tipped slightly to be brought in. However, two poles collided and one top piece had to be repaired Yankton performed. The top piece was taped and reattached just prior to taking the field.

We were a little rough on junior Roadies – Dan K’s foot run over by the flatbed on the way out, and another’s leg run into in the endzone.

Kudos to the pit for a quick load up after the USF performance, and after the show at USD. And then they had to unload their trailers at LHS when we returned to practice for the indoor show.

A shout out goes to the tuba section for loading their own horns on the truck at USF. At Lincoln they took them all off the truck and to the band shed, only to find out they were to stay on the truck for the Tuesday football game. So they reloaded themselves. We appreciate you efforts kids – now you know what we feel like sometimes …

When all was said and done and the parking lot was nearly empty … there sat 2 mellaphones (or baritone), 2 bass drums and 2 snares and the majority of the practice stands for the drum line. Enough said.

LHS Takes Runners-Up in Orange City


by Jeff Goddard, Roadie Chairman
Posted October 14
Sitting in my chair at 3:00 a.m. Sunday morning, winding down from the Orange City competition, I opened up my home newspaper (it's a weekly from a small town in southwestern Nebraska), and the first thing I read was the 'Thought for the Week' which went: "Anyone can be happy when times are good; but the richer experience is to be happy when times are not."

Recapping the events from the day, it was easy for me to think that we just experienced a time from the 'are not' category. But I thought a bit further about the whole experience, and it didn't take me long to realize what a wonderfully rewarding day it was. Here are some highlights:

- Once again working with a great crew of Roadies, unloading and reloading horns, drums, props, uniforms, and pit equipment. Roadies hanging tough and standing in there to get the job done despite the on and off drizzle. During one such truck unloading, I looked over at Eric and couldn't decide if he was dripping with rain or sweat.

- Working for a great bunch of pit kids that were told they couldn't warm up and basically just had to stand around for a couple hours and watch their instruments get wet. I talked with most of them to offer encouraging words, but I needn't have worried, their spirits were high and I think they just had a great time.

- Watching the band deliver another GREAT show!!! (the comment with the fewest words, but really says the most)

- Just when the fireworks started (which coincided nicely with the heaviest rain), I was lying on the roof of the pit trailer trying to fix the roof vent as the wind had torn it away from the latching mechanism. I was also half standing on the drum majors ladder, which was in turn standing on a wet slippery picnic table. Fortunately, my good Roadie friend Greg Waters was standing below, holding the ladder and offering words of encouragement: "This don't look too safe." There I was, lying on the roof in the rain. laughing!

- Back at LHS, we unloaded the horns during a 'dry' spell, thinking the buses weren't too far behind. The buses ended up being farther behind than we thought and the dry spell didn't last quite long enough. So we rolled out a 30x50' tarp and 6 of us Roadies stood in the wind and drizzle holding it over the horns and drums. Did I mention wind? It was at this time that the wind decided to add to the enjoyment; a gust would arrive and announce itself by sending a wave from one end of the tarp to the other. Did I mention rain? When the 'wave' got to the end of the tarp and 'snapped,' it would send a fairly sizable spray of water into the face of whichever Roadie happened to be at that end of the tarp. and the swirling wind made sure we all got our turns. But even so, the spirits of these Roadies weren't dampened as we kept ourselves occupied by laughing and joking at our predicament.

Though I'm proud of all the Roadies that got 'er done this wet weekend, my 'heroes for the day' are those that 'shared the tarp' with me: Greg Waters, Amy Knutson, Chris Pearson, Beth Schlup, and Scott Feltis. Maybe it was the rain, maybe because it was 1:00 a.m., maybe because most of the free-world probably considers us loony birds, but this is one Roadie event I'll never forget.

Speaking of all the Roadies, here are the proud and the wet that served: Dean Versteeg, Jon Sogn, Jim/Kristie/Becca/Cassie Fitzgerald, Tim/Janice/Shelby Dykstra, Dean/Amy Gesch, Chris/Kim Pearson, Eric/Amy Knutson, Jim/Diane McCann, Robert/Beth Schlup, Cindy Stanga, Ben Greenlee, Aaron/Lisa Asmus, Scott Feltis, Brenda Childerston, Greg Waters, Ron Sisk, Dave Ulmer, and Tony Reed. Note that Jim & Diane McCann are retired Roadies, along with Neil Krohse and Tom Reed who couldn't make the trip but helped pack the truck at LHS.

Special thanks to the Roadies who loaded up the uniform trailer at LHS and again at Orange City. I'm not sure who was there, because I didn't have to be, which is what I appreciate most in a Roadie: just knowing something needs to be done, and doing it. And special thanks to Eric Knutson who helped me fix tires in the pit during the Saturday rehearsal.

So as I drug myself to bed, I dozed off with the satisfaction of knowing that this was really a wonderful day. and yes, my aching body today is proof!!! (How 'bout yours?).

Senior Night & Festival of Bands


Posted October 6
The travel was limited but it was a busy weekend as the LHS band performed at halftime Friday at the Lincoln-Spearfish game, marched in the Festival of Bands parade on Saturday morning, and were exhibitionists in the evening at the FOB finals.

Friday evening the band held their annual Senior Recognition Night, honoring senior marchers and their parents. Senior Ryan Landeen had a photo op with his father Neal (at left) who is away in the military. A cutout of Neal was held next to Ryan during the Ave Maria warm-up.

Lincoln was the first high school band down the street shortly after 9 on a muggy FOB morning. After parading Main Avenue, the band boarded buses and returned to the school.

The band's even performance was awesome, especially given the near-gale force winds that picked up late. The poles swayed, but the band ROCKED the crowd.

Among the highlights of the weekend ... Neil Krohse, lead pole guy for Friday night jumped the gun setting the five power poles shortly after the little cheer girls had finished their number. The problem was they performed two numbers ... Imagine our surprise when a cell phone went off in the back of the truck with the ring tone "Singin' In The Rain". Robert Schlup - we would have never guessed ... Sha Langenfeld coined a new term for volunteers doing double duty. Our Pit Mom named people like her "Chaperoadies" ... One of the best scenes of Saturday evening - well, I can't even say. It happened in the north parking lot, and, after what happened last week, was priceless.

For pictures from Senior Night click here and view as a slide show. For FOB pictures, click her

Pats Take Ivory Class At Marshall


Posted September 24
The kids treated us to another great show and finished third to the same two outstanding bands that placed 1 and 2 at Eastview. And the Roadies stepped up and delivered. Thanks to all for jumping in and helping Saturday, every time I tried to lift something, it seems like somebody was
there to lend a hand.

It just seemed like we were destined for a long day, here's a few examples:
 - Jeff's back going on strike
 - cars left behing LHS causing us to stage trailers south of the auditorium
 - Tom K. falling ill just as we were heading out and couldn't make the trip
 - the trap set cart falling apart
 - the battery not holding a charge
 - a marimba doing the splits as we took the field
 - more issues with buzzing and humming in the electronics
 - a pit kid getting her hand caught in a tow chain, and bleeding for it
(a future Roadie perhaps?)
 - and when it was all over, seeing an injured Color Guard and a Flute player
draped across Dean's ATV and Trailer for the trip back to the buses.

But in light of all these set-backs, we did what Roadies are supposed to do,
and just made it work.

Lincoln Band Runner Up In Blue Springs


Unedited version Posted September 30
The Lincoln Band made the 400 mile trip to Blue Springs over the weekend and brought home Runners-up honors. After taking first in the 6A not prelims in the afternoon, the band finished second to Blue Valley West. The drum line took second in the drumline competiton, and Lincoln's Caleb Berdahl took "fastest hands" honors.
Long trips tend to bring out some of the more interesting events of the season. This year was no different. For instance …
- A color guard 'lost' her rifle, claiming some little kid was playing with it and took it (one version heard). Roadie Kimberly Smith went on a fairly detailed search for it and even borrowed one to use from the host band. It was eventually found... in the girl's flag bag.
- Pit kid Austin L. was changing in the pit trailer and received a nice gash (by any Roadie standards) on his foot. We’re sure how he did it, but there was glass all over the parking lot and lots of kids running around barefoot. Surprisingly there was only 1 foot cut.
- After arriving in KC, one of the Tuba players asked Mr. Carlson where the tubas were. Bob's reply, "Where did you load it?" "We put them in the White Truck Friday night." Mr Carlson: "Everybody was told to make sure you load your own instrument under the bus because the White Truck wasn't going." "Oh," was the tuba players reply. Of course Jeff and the Roadies had loaded them under the buses. And it was extra difficult because they were the last things loaded." Mental note: load tubas and drums first when putting them under the buses.
- Drummer Adam A. somehow got a full cup of hot coffee spilled on his lap at breakfast Sunday morning. He let out quite a holler and it had to hurt like heck, given the area of the injury. Several Roadies witnessed the event, one commenting, "looks like a chaperone problem to me."
- Yes, for a second week in a row, we loaded drumline equipment... and I know Mr Carlson confronted them about it last week. It didn’t get through to them.
- The coup-de-gras, when all was said and done
Sunday night and the buses and kids were all gone, one suitcase that was left lying in the parking lot had a tag on it that read "E. M. - Chaperone!!!"

See photos by Eric Knutson, Jon Sogn, and Sha Langenfeld.

Homecoming Happiness


Posted September 29
Homecoming was a success for the Patriots on September 28th, but the game was in doubt up until the final three minutes when LHS added a touchdown to make the final score 22-13.

The night was perfect for the game, though a little windy, and the band had reason to celebrate as senior trombonist Sarah Peters was named Homecoming Queen.

The band performed a somewhat ragged show, and the Roadies were as well. Multiple marchers tripped over the poles, which for the first time this season, were not placed correctly. A mis-measurement led several poles to be out of line.

The poles themselves featured a new twist, as they all sported a single light at the top. Unfortunately two broke before taking the field, but the bugs were to have been worked out before the band performed in Blue Springs on Saturday the 29th.

Through Roadie's Eyes: Dean Gesch

Posted September 26
Being a Roadie gives you a perspective other fans just don't get. We see
and experience things others don't get the opportunity to. And with that comes
some great stories.

Dean Gesch is in his 4th year as a Roadie. His son Karl is a senior and member of the trumpet section. His other son Brian is a sophomore alto sax player. This is Dean's Roadie story:

Last year at Marshall -- you remember the Great Deluge of '06. We arrived late to the annual roadie picnic due to coming from a cross country meet in Apple Valley. We were greeted with a wonderful sight in the parking lot: the most beautiful arrangement of tarps, ropes, etc., all serving to keep the picnicking/grilling/eating/enjoying life roadie contingent dry and happy. As usual, the lift gate buffet was tremendous, and best of all, dry. Afterwards, the procession of pit equipment into the student union, and the subsequent rehearsal was memorable. To say it was quite loud would be an understatement. It was entertaining seeing the expression of the occasional college student that happened to wander into the scene. So, while the wet day was unfortunate in terms of canceling the field performance, it did allow the well known qualities of adaptability and flexibility of the Lincoln roadies to be exhibited quite well.

New Season Begins As Streaks Come To An End


Posted September 16
The first competition of the 2007 season saw Lincoln take third place at the Eastview Marching Festival on September 15. Two streaks came to an end, as the Patriot lost a competition for the first time since October of 2004 at Quad States. In addition, for the first time in seven years, the drum line did not take their caption honors.

Most who saw the show felt it was a good one, but this was a reminder that there are very good bands in the Twin Cities area, and to beat them on their own turf is very difficult. Several fans indicated that LHS faced very stiff competition, as was evidenced by their nearly 3-point loss to Rosemont. The Patriots trailed Irondale by two.

The evening was eventful for the Roadies, though nothing of major consequence happened. The pole props were challenged to make the 6 block hike to the stadium by zig-zagging between trees and light poles. We had our warm-up area for the pit moved on us three times in a ten-minute span. Thanks to the inattention of some pit members, the trap set cart slammed into the entrance gate to the field. Dean V had to push his ATV to the end zone after unhooking the pit when the engine shut off in gear. And at the end of the load-up, we were unable to lock the pit trailer as someone had walked off with the paddle lock.

Click here to see more pictures from Eastview Be sure to click on "view as a slide show".

Patriots Perform 2nd Halftime Show


Posted September 16
On a cool night for football the Patriot Marching Band kept the crowd warm with their second perfomance of the season. The halftime show was their dress rehearsal for their first competiton of the season in Apple Valley the next day.

The band entertained the fired up crowd, which was enjoying a 40-0 halftime score enroute to a 40-2 victory over Rapid City Central. Click here to see pictures from the first two halftime shows.

New Trailer Delivered In Time For First Trip


Posted September 16
The Roadie Motor Pool expanded again this past week as the third 22-foot enclosed trailer was delivered, just in time for the trip to Eastview. Dean Versteeg received the call mid-week that the trailer was ready, only to have possession delayed by a day as a problem with the lights was corrected. The trailer was purchased by the Band Parents Association from Dressen Custom Trailers in Dell Rapids, where the previous four have come from.

Jeff Goddard began installing the tie-down materials on Friday morning, and was completed at Howard Wood during the game by Tom Reed and Chris Pearson. A shelf unit was moved from the uniform trailer, and the loading plan for both pit trailers was worked out Friday afternoon by Jeff and Neil Krohse. The trailer will be lettered in the coming weeks

New Prop Unveiled September 14th


Posted September 14
The Friday night halftime performance featured a new prop added to the show. The new piece was completed after 11 pm on Thursday night, and the band was given a look at their Friday morning rehearsal.

The new piece, a set of power switches was unveiled at the halftime performance at the Lincoln vs Rapid City Central football game.

Mr Carlson came down to MES and gave a big thumbs up on the prop. The addition is another part of Kevin Carlson's vision for the "Wired" show.

So if you missed it, the power switch prop will take the field at Apple Valley on Saturday the 15th of September, or will be in the show at Marshall on September 22nd..

More Pictures!


Posted September 11th
The Roadies have the good fortune of having a wonderful amateur photographer in their midst. Again this year, Sha Langenfeld is taking pictures galore, and has consented to share her pictures on the website. Over the past few days, over 50 of her photos have been added to the files for at left entitled Sept. Football Games, Presidents Bowl and Family Night.

Even if you have looked at some of the pictures before, you will want to take the time to see the pictures submitted by Roadies Jon Sogn and Neil Krohse, in addition to Sha's pictures. There are over 450 images to date, starting with the first day of Spat Camp! Be sure to click "View As a Slideshow" and sit back and enjoy.

First Halftime Performance A Hit


Posted September 8
On a perfect night for football and marching band, the Lincoln Patriot Marching Band debuted their 2007 show "Wired" for the general public. Veteran band fans rated the show as one of the best opening-night performances ever.

Following the Patriettes on the field, the props and pit were set before the band took over. The poles proved to be easy to set and line up, and no one witnessed a pole-vs-marcher collision.

The show is progressing well, and the new body work added to the opener during the past week fit in well with the show.

There are bugs to keep working on (as in when to start) but over all the band fared much better than the football team, who fell to the Warriors 24-7.

Bandparents Purchase The White Truck


Posted September 6
The Lincoln Band has purchased the cleverly named "White Truck" from Jay Hardy at M.E.S. Companies it was announced.The White Truck now officially turns the Roadie Transport Services into a Motor Pool. The Ford cube van now joins the soon to be delivered third 22' enclosed trailer, the two aluminum flatbeds, and the 22' pit trailer and the 22' uniform trailer in the Roadie Motor Pool.

After generously donating the use of the truck to the band for the past seven seasons, Jay Hardy offered to sell the truck to the band in recent weeks. As before, the truck will be used to haul horns and the drum line instruments, and will likely two one of the three enclosed trailers.

Presidents Bowl


Posted September 2nd
The fans couldn't have asked for a nicer evening to sit in the (seemingly traditional) visitor stands at the 16th annual Presidents Bowl at Howard Wood Field.

The evening again featured the three combined bands performance of the National Anthem, followed by the Lincoln vs Roosevelt football game.

The game was highlighted by arial fireworks at halftime, and the RHS football fireworks in the second half as the Riders stretched a 13-0 halftime lead into a 41-0 drubbing of the Patriots.

Band Practices With Props on September First


Posted September 1st
The band had the first opportunity to dodge, or rather, practice with the Power Pole Props at the rehearsal on Saturday, September 1st. Despite concerns with the size of the bases and the proximity of the band passing by, only one musician was witnessed tripping over the base, and none hit the ground. The units all stood steady in the 15-20 mph breeze blowing in off the freeway Saturday morning. Pictures from Saturday and evening rehearsals can be seen by clicking here.

Roadies gathered assemble the nine units for the first time and place them on the field. Thanks to the group that put them together: Dan and Jennifer Basche, Dave Ulmer, Dave Meyer, Sha Langenfeld, Eric Knutson, Angie Digatono, Dean Gesch Dean Versteeg, Neil Krohse and Jeff Goddard. See the Roadies in action by clicking here.

Power Pole Prop Construction Completed


Posted August 31st
The construction of the "Wired" power pole props was completed at MES on Thursday August 30th. The poles will likely be placed on the practice field at the Saturday, September 1 rehearsal.

Volunteers contributed over 130 man-hours in the construction of the 9 units. Over 68 feet of steel was cut and welded into each base. The pole upright features three 4-foot tubes and a 6-foot header. Each pole unit is be assembled just prior to taking the field.

Thanks to those that contributed to the project: Dean Versteeg, Tim & Janice Dykstra, Jim & Kristie Fitzgerald, Greg Waters, Jon Sogn, Dave Ulmer, Eric Knutson, Jeff Goddard and former bandparents Jim McAdaragh, John Laflin, Tom Reed, Neil Krohse and Jay Hardy. Thanks go to tuba playing 2005 grad Tony Reed who welded the majority of the bases. Special thanks Jay Hardy at M.E.S. for opening the doors to his facility for the construction of the units.

Band Joins Senator Johnson Welcome Home

Posted August 29th
Tuesday August 28th the Lincoln Band joined in the celebration at the Sioux Falls Convention Center at the Welcome Home Party for Senator Tim Johnson. Due to the rain, there was hardly anybody standing around to hear the band. The kids, in their band shirts rather than uniforms, did get to move inside afterwards.

As a Roadie, the event was a test of patience to say the least. Only four pit kids showed up on time to unload the trailers, so they barely got set up in time.

The "fun" began after the performance. In attempting to get the pit trailer some stupid %&!@#?*$! parked in the 1/2 remaining space right in front of the trailer AND another one parked between the bus and the trailer! This is why they don't allow guns at political events.

Never ones to back down from a challenge without a fight, Dean and Jeff tried to manually move the trailer out of its parking place. First, they hooked a chain up hoping to pull it out and just let the block slide along the pavement. Of course, the jack simply slid off the block. Then Dean grabbed a 2x4 and tried to pry up the end while Jeff pushed it. But they couldn't steer. Finally, they tried to use the small floor jack to lift the tongue and roll it out. But the wheels of the jack were too small and got stuck in the little cracks in the asphalt (it was the ass'-fault). The tongue again slid off the jack, and they were back to square one.

They were standing there when the lady finally came out to her car (nearly the last one to leave). "Oh, you want me to move that?" YA THINK??? This caused approximately a two-hour delay getting out and back to LHS. When the (insert your own derogatory adjective here) finally showed up and moved her car, the tongue was sitting so low that Jeff had to jump up and down on the bumper of Dean's Yukon(do-it) as Dean eased back under the hitch.

Through Roadie Eyes: Tom Kenyon

Posted August 28th
Being a Roadie gives you a perspective other fans just don't get. We see and experience things others don't get the opportunity to. And with that comes some great stories.

Tom Kenyon is in his 5th year as a Roadie. His son Lee was in the band from 2003-2006 and graduated last May. This year his daughter Vanessa is a junior in the color guard. This is Tom's Roadie story:
"My top story took place my first year of being a (rookie) Roadie with Lee performing in the Pit. It took place in Des Moines; I pulled the ATV's in pouring rain all the way there. Once we got there the weather cleared, we unloaded the trailers and followed our Leader (guess who that was) on a long circular detour to the practice fields, which seemed miles away encountering a lot of mud holes getting there. It was at this point I wondered what did I get myself into, but when our kids took the field and shocked/awed the crowd (a lot of red) with Zorro, it was my turning point that began a fun filled journey making new friends along the way!

Remember these are our kids, they deserve to be encouraged and praised for all the hard work they put into being a member of a great High School Marching Band Program!"

Week Four: Practice Practice, (Rain) Practice


Posted August 25th
The first week of school featured a week of practices for the band. They rehearsed at Howard Wood Field on Monday night (a quick change of venue), early mornings during the week (when it wasn't raining), and Saturday morning at Lincoln.

The band is moving along in preparation for their first field performance, which will be at the halftime show on September 7th. The first competiton for the band is the following week in Apple Valley Minnesota on September 15.

Work continues on the props, which are over 80% complete, and should be ready for the next Saturday practice on September 1st.

Fan Fun at Family Night


Posted August 18th
The Lincoln Marching Band took the field for the first time on August 17th to perform a dress rehearsal of their 2007 show "Wired" at this year's edition of Family Night. With typical breezes blowing in at Howard Wood Field, the band hit the field and delighted the crowd with this year's show.

The evenings festivities began with the annual cookout, followed by the necessary Bandparent Association meeting. After some words from Mr. Carlson thanking the many volunteers, drillwriter Kevin Carlson described the show from its inception. As Kevin wrapped up his presentation, the band streamed onto the field under the scoreboard, winding up in a circle under the west goal posts.

The fans were delighted by the dress rehearsal run through, despite the incessant pinging of "Dr. Beat". The show is in its early stages of development, and the pit didn't have all it music yet. But the show was a hit, literally to one colorguard member whose nose was bloodied during the show. The band received their first standing ovation of the season from the partisan crowd.

The band then formed a horn arc, playing the show music again, as well as America South. Finally, to the delight of many came the Family Parade, where family members joined their students on the field and attempted to follow their bandmember through part of the opener. Be sure to click here to see pictures from Family Night.

Power Pole Debuts at Family Night


Posted August 18th
The prototype of the Power Pole prop debuted at Family Night, and passed the first test of the season.

Completed just hours before the Family Night Festivities, the prop stood still in the 15-20 mph breeze that blew down the backstretch at Howard Wood Field.

Roadie Jay Hardy at one point pushed on the side of the pole enough to swing the top unit nearly six feet side-to-side, and the base never moved or tipped.

Pit Equipment Draws First Blood

Posted August 17th
It is a long-standing tradition for Roadies helping out to have their share of "incidents". Many are self-inflicted, and this year's pit equipment struck twice this week with Roadie Chairman Jeff Goddard the victim of both.

Tuesday night after unhitching the Aluminum flatbed trailer (full of platforms etc.) as he was pushing it inside the fence, he ran over his foot with the tongue wheel (like he did at Quad States a couple years ago). Bruised or broken bones are yet to be determined.

Then Thursday after the evening rehearsal at LHS when loading one of the trailers, he backed into one of those accessory clamps on the "couch" (large marimba) and tore a gaping hole in his shorts, undies, and the first couple layers of flesh. He must have shown some reaction as a pit kid asked if he was o.k. But (or perhaps 'butt') it was kind of difficult to describe just what happened. But Jeff did anyway, and a handful of pit kids just busted out laughing. This was the only time darkness for trailer loading worked in the Roadies favor (being the modest guy that Jeff is and not wanting to emotionally disturb any pit kids).

Roadie Work Night II


Posted August 15th
A handful of Roadies gathered on the 14th to begin production of the Power Pole Props. Having received approval from the Carlson's on the design, mass production began on the steel base assemblies and the wooden top assemblies. One completed Power Pole will be on the field for Family Night on August 17th.

Spat Camp Complete


Posted August 11th
Mother nature provided a mixed bag of treats on the final day of Spat Camp for 2007. The marchers were greeted with a cool morning under cloudy skies. As they returned from their lunch break, a light rain began to fall. The Carlson's, having consulted the weather radar, sent the band over to Lincoln to work inside on music. By four that afternoon, they were back on the field at Patrick Henry, basking under the steamy, sunny skies.

The last hour provided the Carlson's, and the parents present, a chance see a run through - minus the pit - to close out their summer camp.

"We're right where we should be" Mr C said, when asked about the band's progress during camp.

The band will have two evening rehearsals before showcasing their progress at Family Night on the 17th.

Spat Camp Week 1 Summary



Posted August 6th
The band entered week two of the 2007 edition of Spat Camp under skies and mild temps on August 5th. "This weather is just right," Mr. Carlson pointed out at the break for lunch. The kids came back energized from an off day following their six day week one. Mr. Carlson added "We'll get a lot done on a day like this."

Breakfast with the Band was the highlight of week one for the parents and former band members. The marchers played the opener and part of the blues number for those attending. A rendition of
America South helped brighten the days, held under cloudy skies following a much needed over-night rain. And the weather didn't slow the donut consumption at all.

For a look at Spat Camp, click here for Spat Camp pictures, many contributed by Jon Sogn. Be sure to click on "view as a slide show".

Friday afternoon the bandmembers were treated to a visit from the Sioux Falls Fire Department. A big hit last year, many marchers took advantage of the spray at the afternoon break and enjoys a complete soaking at the hands of a SFFD pumper.

Power Pole Prototype Perfected


Updated August 11
After being tested at Spat Camp for several days, modifications to the prototype were made on August 10th. The final version will begin production the week of August 13th. Only one unit will be on the field by family night.
The 2007 show "Wired" will be featuring props on the field, and development of those is well underway. Two tube prototypes were assembled, and were analyzed to see which was is the most feasable and adaptable for the show.

Roadies got together on August 7th to build the base prototype to go with the selected upright tube for the power pole. Roadies Dean Versteeg, Jeff Goddard, Jim McAdaragh, Dave Ulmer, Eric Knutson, Jay Hardy, Tom Reed, Tony Reed and Neil Krohse spent the evening assembling the functioning prototype. Even after an evening with the welder, jig saw, band saw, nail gun and grinder all of their fingers remain intact.

The working prototype was loaded into Dean's Yukon at the end of the night for delivery to Spat Camp on Wednesday to see how it would work on the field.

For a look at the Roadie work night - click here for pictures.

New Trailer Ordered

Posted August 6th

The band will be adding another trailer to the Roadie Motor pool. A third 22' trailer has been ordered and will carry some of the pit equipment that has outgrown the pit trailer. It was hoped that some horns could be transported in the trailer, but at this time, it looks as though props and the front ensemble equipment will occupy that space.

With the addition of yet another trailer, the Roadies will be needing another volunteer to haul a trailer across town to Howard Wood Field for performances.

The Pit Moves To Patrick Henry

Posted August 5th

Maybe you wonder why the band would be needing another trailer to haul equipment. Well, consider this ... Last week one evening, six people moved the pit equipment from LHS to Patrick Henry. Important points to note:
- The equipment filled the existing pit trailer and was delivered to Patrick Henry..
- Then, they returned to LHS with the uniform trailer - and filled it
- Then, they filled one of our aluminum trailers.
- Finally, they put the rest of the drums, keyboards, and trap sets inside vehicles and the box of a pickup bed - and Mr. Carlson's van. Not included in this set of equipment:
- Two large pieces of equipment that normally work their way into the show - the stage - and the chimes or the normal load of ladders - but we have one more trailer to accomodatethose. None of the 9 Electric poles, props, and related equipment (weights,carts, etc) went.

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