The Perry Blue Jay Marching Band season has ended and now they are preparing for the winter concert next week. 

Perry High School Band Director Blaine Schmidt says they saw a lot of improvement from last year with the two competitions they competed in for marching band. Schmidt points out they performed at a state sanctioned competition in Waukee where they were judged on music and visual execution and they earned a Division Two rating. He also talks about that in another competition they participated in that took place in Ankeny against seven other schools.

“You know, like 85% of the band. I think this was the first time ever actually competing against other schools and we ended up getting eighth place. But they put on a really great show and I’m really proud of them for getting out there. And the nerves didn’t get the better of them. And I think it was an overall really good experience. And I think one of the best parts is that they got to see what other programs were doing and see all the cool things that marching bands can do. And they’re inspired for next year.”

Schmidt points out now they are preparing for their winter concert that will be at the Perry Performing Arts Center on December 5th starting at 7pm. There will be winter themed songs that will be played and sung by the high school band, choir and select choir.