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Washington Evening Journal
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Washington, IA 52353
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Panther Marching Band brings a blast from the past
The Mt. Pleasant High School Panther Marching Band performed to open the 2022 Old Threshers Reunion
MT. PLEASANT — Students and teachers enjoy an extra-long holiday over Old Threshers Reunion as the whole community comes together to make the reunion possible, particularly the Mt. Pleasant Music Department.
“We don’t have school because too many of us volunteer,” one ground transport volunteer, who is also a Mt. Pleasant art teacher, said.
Considering the whole Mt. Pleasant Panther Marching Band performed for the official opening of the reunion, it is no wonder the schools found it wise to allow for a reunion holiday.
The Mt. Pleasant High School Panther Marching Band performs under the direction of Jim DePriest with the assistance of Laura Westfall, Ron Coverly, Colin DePriest and Adam Creager.
Marlee DePriest acted as the Color Guard Coordinator.
According to Mt. Pleasant Middle School Band Director Adam Creager’s opening remarks, “The Mt. Pleasant Marching Band is the official marching band of the Old Threshers Reunion.”
To open the reunion the band performed selections from their 2022 marching band show “Eyes with Pride.”
Creager described the show as a mash up of music that spans the decades of previous marching band shows. These particular selection span from 1995 to 2011.
The show included “Come Sail Away,” “A Child’s Race,” “MacArthur Park,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and “Born to be Wild.”
“Or as we call it, The DePriest theme song,” Creager said of what the band calls “Born to be Wild.”
With such rock-heavy song selections, it is no wonder the percussion section, electric guitars, and drum kit were well-represented.
The band left an impression as they played “Come Sail Away,” with the vocal accompaniment of Summer Schroeder and Cason Edwards.
In addition to the throwback tunes, the band also played the national anthem as the Henry County Honor Guard presented the flags with pride.
As the band packed up, the drum line performed rhythmic music ending in time with a steam engine’s horn being blown.
Just like that, Old Threshers Reunion 2022 opened and prepared to, once again, honor history and celebrate this unique community.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com
Summer Schroeder (second row left) and Cason Edwards (right) sang “Come Sail Away” as part of the Mt. Pleasant Marching Band’s performance opening the 2022 Old Threshers Reunion. (AnnaMarie Ward/The Union)
The marching band was accompanied by plenty of electric guitar and smiling color guarders. (AnnaMarie Ward/The Union)
A few Sweet 16 contestants could be spotted in the band. (AnnaMarie Ward/The Union)
Summer Schroeder wore a wireless mic-pack to sing for one of the marching band’s selections. (AnnaMarie Ward/The Union)
The Henry County Honor Guard presented the flags as the Mt. Pleasant High School Panther Marching Band played the national anthem. (AnnaMarie Ward/The Union)
