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Mt. Pleasant band builds momentum heading into Muscatine contest
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MT. PLEASANT — With only one week remaining in the competitive marching season, the Mt. Pleasant Community High School Panther Marching Band is riding momentum into Saturday’s contest in Muscatine.
Over the past two weekends, the band has earned high scores and continued to improve. From earning 77 points at Linn-Mar to a 81.1-point performance at Davis County, the Panther Marching Band is not letting up as its season comes to an end.
“We not only met but exceeded those goals last night! I am incredibly proud of all of you,” Director Micah Peck said after a strong performance in Davis County.
At the 50th Annual Davis County Band Festival in Bloomfield, the band placed second overall and took top honors for Best Drumline and Best Color Guard. The Linn-Mar contest earlier saw the Panthers place fourth in Class 3A among 11 bands.
Last weekend’s success may have been spurred on by more than just a desire to do well by the students. Before the competition, Peck promised to wear a red skirt to practice if the band scored 80 or better at Davis County. When the judges awarded Mt. Pleasant an 81.1, he kept his word and showed up to rehearsal in the promised red skirt.
After the strong performances, Peck challenged the students directly.
“Now, where will we land on Saturday in Muscatine? You all will determine that this week,” he said in a message to students and the community. “Let’s finish strong and deliver an incredible performance on Saturday night.”
With recent high scores, he urged everyone to rally behind the band and pack the stands in Muscatine for the last competition of the season.
The band’s 2025 field show, Sabor de la Calle— Spanish for “Flavor of the Street” — blends Latin-inspired rhythms and contemporary musical storytelling. The production includes selections such as Havana, Breathe from In the Heights, and El Cumbanchero, all arranged by Jay Dawson. Through its mix of vibrant melodies, colorful visuals and expressive movement, the show captures the energy and spirit of Latin street culture while challenging performers with its intricate musical and visual demands.
Throughout the season, the Panther Marching Band maintains a packed schedule: serving as the official band for the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion, hosting the Mt. Pleasant Marching Invitational, performing at all home football games and the Homecoming parade, and competing in Muscatine, Davis County and Linn-Mar. The program also boasts 37 consecutive Division I ratings at the State Marching Band Festival.
Peck acknowledges support far beyond the students. He extends gratitude to music parents, the Music Boosters, all music staff, Athletic Director Scot Lamm and Maintenance Director Chad Venghaus for logistical help, and to Coach Bowlin and volunteers who aided with equipment moves.
“The saying ‘It takes a village’ truly resonates,” Peck said.
Now the focus turns to Muscatine. The question lingers: can the Panthers extend their streak, rise again in rankings and meet elevated expectations? With a high-scoring run already underway and community support swelling, the stage is set for a climactic finish to the season, hopefully.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
