Tigers Pride performing the Haka ritual dance earning Best Visuals for Scholastic Class A on Saturday, Oct. 12.

WARSAW — Warsaw Community Tigers Pride Marching Band had an eventful weekend.

On Friday, Oct. 11, middle school musicians were invited to a music clinic after school. They joined in to learn the excitement of what the high school marching program offers; camaraderie, excitement and performing for crowds. Later that night, the senior band and guard members were honored for their dedication to the program at the football game.

The following day,  the band and guard performed at Plymouth High School in the ISSMA preliminary competition against seven bands in Scholastic Class A. All performing groups put on an outstanding show for the spectators, despite battling chilly temps and 10 mph winds. Despite the cold, all of the participating bands warmed the crowd and had them rising to their feet. The Warsaw Tigers Pride Marching Band won a gold rating, with distinction in visuals. This is their ticket to regionals at Lawrence Central High School in Indianapolis on Oct. 26, according to a news release from the school.

This year’s show, titled “Haka Peruperu,” is an ancient posture dance of the New Zealand Maori that was traditionally used to prepare a war party for battle. The WCHS 60-piece marching band prepares for a musical battle each weekend earning two 1st place and one 2nd place finish. Recognized for outstanding music performance and best visual effects, this show is not to be missed. This performance will conclude the marching season for these performers.

Want a chance to see the Warsaw Community High School Tigers Pride Marching Band before their season is over? Oct. 26 is the day. Road trip to Lawrence Central High School in Indianapolis and be there for the 6:48 p.m performance. Come early and see all of the amazing bands performing throughout the day. You can also follow their progress on Instagram @WarsawBands, on Facebook @Warsaw Community High School Bands or online at www.warsawbandboosters.org.

The marching band is led by Band Director Mark Ziegler and Assistant Band Director Kyle Travis, with assistance from Joe Peloza, Brandon Bussard, Reaghan Fletcher, Brad Nethercutt, Anna Marie Kelly and guard instructor Kelsie Hopkins.