This past summer, the Colt Cadets, a drum & bugle corps from Dubuque, stayed at Ottumwa High School for two weeks in July as they learned their 2021 program. OHS senior, Dominque Gerleman, was a member of the corps. It's uncharacteristic for this group to stay in one location that long and with Covid constraints, it was difficult to find host schools. As a token of their appreciation, the Colt Cadets donated a marimba to the OHS band program as a thank you for the wonderful hospitality and use of all the Ottumwa facilities this past summer.
"This is a great addition to our band program," said Troy Gerleman, OHS band director. "Marimbas retail for over $5,000, which exceeds our annual equipment budget. We are so fortunate to have developed a great relationship with the Colt Cadets. They thoroughly enjoyed our facilities so much they wish to come back again next summer.
