The scholastic marching arts were on full display Saturday, Oct. 12, as 35 of the top high school marching bands from Minnesota and beyond competed at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis as part of the Youth in Music Marching Band Championships. It was one of the biggest lineups for the annual event.
Rosemount, which has ruled the largest class of bands (AAAA) for years and was the defending champion, won again.
“Rosemount has won all but two YIM Championships,” Youth in Music founder Brent Turner said. “One was the first year of YIM, when they were not able to attend. The last time Rosemount did not win the contest was in 2015, when they were outscored by Eden Prairie High School.”
All of the bands competed during the day, in various classes based on size. Then the top 10 bands return to compete in the finals at night. Minnesota’s Rosemount High School won the championship once again, capping a day and night filled with outstanding performances and musicianship. (Check out the scores from prelims and finals.)
Out-of-state bands hailing from South Dakota, Wisconsin and Nebraska made up nearly half of the competition. Omaha’s Millard West High School, which placed third below Rosemount and Eastview, has made it a priority to return every year, director John Keith said.
“Youth In Music is a very well-run competition in an outstanding performance venue. It is a great experience for our students to perform in the Vikings’ stadium, as well as see other outstanding bands from around the region that we otherwise would not have the opportunity to see,” he said. “The crowd is very supportive of all performing bands. This competition is one of the favorites of our students every year.”
Keith expanded on that sentiment.
“My favorite thing is seeing the look of excitement on our students’ faces when they enter the field to perform, especially the students who have not performed in the venue before,” he said. “It's just such a cool experience for them, something they will never forget.”
Exhibition performances this year were presented by marching bands of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse during the day and the North Dakota State University at night.
Besides the musical performances, Youth in Music bestowed several awards and scholarships. This year’s Hall of Fame inductee, who according to the group’s criteria “had a profound and positive impact on the marching arts in our region,” is Hastings High School director Emily Chandler, who has conducted the Raiders Marching Band for 20 years.
New is an award for volunteer of the year named for super-volunteer John Hueg, who died in July. Turner said the award will be given annually, along with another new set of awards honoring school administrators who support the arts.
Relive the excitement and pageantry of the Youth in Music Championships through our huge photo gallery below.
Bands are presented in alphabetical order from their daytime performances. The full band names and their scheduled performance order are listed below the gallery.
All photos by Dack Nehring of BrenRose Photos, exclusively for YourClassical MPR, which does not make reprints available. To order official photos from the event, go to Ceremony Photos.
Youth in Music lineup
Youth in Music Marching Band Championships at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Oct. 12
Note: All are Minnesota high schools unless noted otherwise.
Lennox (S.D.): 7 a.m.
The Brandon Valley High School Marching Lynx from South Dakota perform Oct. 12 at the Youth in Music Marching Band Championships at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.Dack Nehring for MPRWest Central (S.D.): 7:15 a.m.
Osseo: 7:30 a.m.
Hutchinson: 7:45 a.m.
Harrisburg (S.D.): 8 a.m.
Blaine: 8:15 a.m.
Andover: 8:30 a.m.
Lourdes: 8:45 a.m.
Minnetonka: 9 a.m.
Coon Rapids: 9:15 a.m.
Anoka: 9:30 a.m.
St. Croix Central (Wis., exhibition): 9:45 a.m.
Sioux Falls O’Gorman (S.D.): 10 a.m.
Baldwin-Woodville (Wis.): 10:15 a.m.
Onalaska (Wis.): 10:30 a.m.
Chippewa Falls (Wis.): 10:45 a.m.
Mankato 77 Lancers: 11 a.m.
Brookings (S.D.): 11:15 a.m.
Sioux Falls Roosevelt (S.D.): 11:30 a.m.
Waseca: 11:45 a.m.
Hastings: Noon
Champlin Park: 12:15 p.m.
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, exhibition: 12:30 p.m.
Class A and AA awards: 12:45 p.m.
Papillion-La Vista South (Neb.): 1:15 p.m.
River Falls (Wis.): 1:30 p.m.
Lakeville South: 1:45 p.m.
Farmington: 2 p.m.
Irondale: 2:15 p.m.
Eden Prairie: 2:30 p.m.
Marshall: 2:45 p.m.
Millard North (Neb.): 3 p.m.
Greendale (Wis.): 3:15 p.m.
Brandon Valley (S.D.): 3:30 p.m.
Millard West (Neb.): 3:45 p.m.
Eastview: 4 p.m.
Rosemount: 4:15 p.m.
North Dakota State, exhibition: 4:30 p.m.
Class AAA and AAAA awards: 4:45 p.m.
Love the music?
Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.
Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.
YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.
