Weiser’s Proud Sound program is ‘Star Trek: Into Darkness’

Weiser’s Proud Sound marching band has started preparing for the 2022 competition season. A weeklong camp was held the first week of August which consisted of intensive sessions working on music, marching technique, and drill. 

 The theme of this year’s show is Star Trek, featuring a medley of music from the most recent films but also includes themes from the original tv shows and movies. 

 Last year’s Star Wars show earned them several awards including the Division 3A first place overall title at the District III competition that is held at BSU every year at the end of October.

 When asked about his decision to once again do a show based on another popular space themed franchise director Jake Fortin stated, “I just thought it would be fun. Why not do Star Wars and then Star Trek? I was always a Star Wars fan growing up, but Star Trek fans should have their fun too.”

 It’s a bit of a risk doing two popular space themed shows in back to back years but Fortin is confident in the bands ability to rise to the occasion. 

 “We always get challenged by the other bands in our division. Payette, Parma, and Homedale always rise to the challenge, and the competitions are always a dogfight to see who wins. I’m sure our kids are going to be up to it,” Fortin remarked.

 Some of this confidence is due to everything returning to pre-COVID standards. 

 “I think that we are quite a bit further ahead than we were last year. Last year we essentially had two different classes of freshman, since the sophomores didn’t have the chance to march in the fall of 2020,” Fortin said. “Because we are in a much more ‘normal’ pattern this year, we are able to learn things more quickly and efficiently.”

 Leading the band this year will be senior drum major Jayden Anderson and junior drum major ReAnn Reese. Mimi Rodriguez will be returning as the color guard coach after taking a year off. 

 When asked how it felt to be coaching again, Rodriguez said this, “A year ago, I thought I was saying goodbye to this amazing group of students that made and continue to make my time at Weiser High School meaningful and full of aspiration. Returning as their coach has been surreal, however, I am looking forward to being a part of their legacy in being the best color guard in their division. This year’s color guard shows a lot of determination and passion with the art of spinning a flag. Their talent as a group and as individuals is impressive. I am so excited to see the entirety of the show at the end of the season. I invite the community to attend a football game, grab a hot dog and plan to watch the WHS Band and Color Guard take the field during halftime.”

 If you’ve noticed the red paw prints around town, it’s all part of the bands annual paw print fundraiser. There are two sizes of paw prints available as well as several decals to show your support for your favorite programs. Decals include a music note, color guard flag, football, cheer horn, tennis racket, golf club, baseball/softball, and more. If you are interested in having a paw print painted at your home or business you can contact your favorite band or color guard member or call Christy at 208-230-5419.

 The band will travel to their first competition of the season on October 1 at Kuna High School.