The Pride of Ottumwa will march at Ottumwa's first home football game on Friday, September 25, performing a portion of this year's halftime show, "Together As One."
The program was written in light of the recent Covid-19 Pandemic. Top designers/writers collaborated to create a universal marching band production that can be performed by mass groups in a universal setting to inspire and motivate all through these troubling times. "Together As One." represents all things that represent the resiliency that is to be an American.
Friday's performance of the OHS marching band will feature two of the three selections from "Together as One." Selections include "Joyful, Joyful" and "Glory, Glory."
"Joyful, Joyful" or "Ode to Joy" is part of Beethoven's 9th symphony. According to the show's synopsis, this first piece represents a celebration of arts education delivered from the hearts and minds of young performers as well as the magic that occurs through live performance.
"Glory, Glory" is a familiar melody presented in an American Gospel style. The movement includes a percussion feature, high-energy visuals from the color guard, as well as vocals from the OHS Meistersingers. This selection also encourages audience participation through clapping, singing, and dancing!
"With the change in performance obligations, this year has presented the Marching Bulldogs with an opportunity to take away the pressure of time," said Troy Gerleman, OHS band instructor. "I keep getting inspired by these kids each and every day. I have to remind myself I am teaching in the middle of a pandemic. These kids rarely show it. They are very focused and working incredibly hard, arguably the hardest working band we have had in several years. They make each rehearsal count so I am very excited to see what their first performance this Friday brings."