The Airline Viking Vanguard Band recently concluded their 2012 competitive marching season with their final performance at the Northwestern State University 24th Annual Marching Contest. The “Big Blue Band from Viking Land” received the top score of one in all three band categories (Drum Major, Percussion, and Band Final).
This year’s program showcased the band’s strong sound and was entitled “The Rock Show!” – which featured the music of Led Zeppelin, The Who, Queen and My Chemical Romance. Familiar melodies incorporated into the performance include Immigrant Song, Kashmir, Pinball Wizard, Bohemian Rhapsody and Welcome to the Black Parade - along with eight contras belting out the melody of Seven Nation Army as the band steps onto the field to position for the start of the show. The program’s conclusion begins with a solo by Haley Jorgensen (trumpet), duet by Dan Ramstad (trumpet) and Rian Marshall (mellophone), and quintet of the three aforementioned plus Zach Ekendahl (trombone) and Tiffany Johnson (contra).
Airline also competed at the Parkway Marching Competition and the Four States Competition in Texarkana. The Vikings received the top score of one in all band categories at these competitions as well. Other highlights included being awarded “Best Percussion” at Four States (23 bands competed) and earning “Most Outstanding Music” and “Most Outstanding Marching” honors in their classification at Parkway. Those interested in viewing the competitions can go to You Tube and type “Airline Band Competitions 2012” in the search box.
The Viking Vanguard Band is under the direction of Chad Causey. Grant Shelton is the Assistant Director, with Troy Moses and Andrew Vowell serving as special assistants. The Drum Majors are Charissa Aalgaard, Regan Dempsey and Jade Morgan. The Band Captain is Rian Marshall and Donzell Hughes is the Drum Captain. The Band now boasts over 140 musicians, its largest in the four years of Mr. Causey’s tenure at the Bossier City school.
