The Waconia High School Marching Band was named grand champion at the Osseo Band Festival this past Saturday, then went on to Alexandria the next day, and claimed the top honor there as well. It has captured grand champion at every parade and competition it has entered this year. Patriot photo by Peggy Bakken

For nearly four decades the high school marching band in Waconia has been synonymous with excellence, entertainment and commitment.

Big Black has done all of that and more this year by capturing grand championships at every event in which it has marched, including this past weekend’s most prestigious honor, the Vikingland grand championship. It had already claimed top honors in Benson and St. Cloud and Osseo (the day before), as well as a number of metro area parade competitions. It has captured numerous caption (best winds, brass, drumline, color guard) awards along the way as well, solidifying its position as being one of the most decorated bands in the history of the school, with a tour to Tennessee planned to kick off July 1.

When it returns from the south, it will arrive in Minneapolis to be one of the featured marching band representing Minnesota at the Lions International Convention in Minneapolis. It will march along with 26 other marching bands, representing Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin and Canada. Other Minnesota marching bands include Mankato 77 Lancers, Lakeville, Litchfield, New York Mills, Virginia, Fergus Falls, Forest Lake, Winona Cotter, Maple River, Bertha Hewitt, Sauk Rapids, East Central, Willow River, United South Central and an estimated 60 concert bands.

The parade will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting on Washington Ave and Nicollet Mall. Waconia is expected to march between 1-1:30 p.m. Guest speaker at this year’s Lion’s Convention will be Colin Powell.

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