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The band started off their season in Benson last Thursday at the Pioneerland Band Festival and took second behind Milaca.

The band practiced marching on Spruce Street in the Chladek Addition during the marching band's spat camp last week.

On Saturday, the band won the Buffalo Invitational for the third year in a row. Because of this, the traveling championship flag was retired and given to the Paynesville Band. In addition, the drumline earned the percussion award for the second year in a row.

On Sunday, the band traveled to Albert Lea for the Festival of Bands, a parade that features 20 of the best marching bands from around Minnesota.

Paynesville placed second, again behind Milaca, but came closer to their rivals, losing by 1.3 points, 66.0 to 64.7. Milaca won by almost seven points at Benson.

"Milaca is a large band with a good program," said director Bryan Mara of their competitors.

Mara is optimistic about his band's improvement, though, and believes that Milaca and Paynesville will be in close competition at next Sunday's parade in Alexandria, where the Bulldogs will try for their third championship in a row at a parade considered to be like a state tournament.

The band is performing a modern classical piece called Firebird Suite this year. They are led by Mara, assistant director Ken Vork, drumline instructor Jeremy Schreifels, and color guard instructor Allen Murphy.

Former band members Becca Werlinger and Krysta Larson are helping instruct as well. Werlinger is leading the honor guard, and Larson is assisting with the color guard.

Nic Glenz is the drum major, Nathan Martinson is the drumline captain, and Joy Hemmesch and Kelli Fenske are the color guard captains.

The band prepared for competition by holding a three-day spat camp from Monday through Wednesday last week. Despite adverse weather conditions, the band was able to accomplish a lot and prepare for their upcoming events.

They will perform tonight in Paynesville at the Town and Country Days parade. They will complete their season by performing in Milaca tomorrow, Granite Falls on Saturday, and Alexandria on Sunday.

On Sunday night, band members will depart for a 10-day trip to California. They will visit San Diego, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.

Pioneerland Band Festival
Class A Results
1. Milaca 74.6
2. Paynesville 67.8
3. Yellow Medicine East 60.0
4. Montevideo 56.3

Buffalo Parade
Class A Results
1. Paynesville 69.7
2. Benson 66.5
3. Annandale 58.2
4. Becker 55.2

Albert Lea Festival
Class A Results
1. Milaca 66.00
2. Paynesville 64.70
3. Winona Cotter 62.25
4. Rochester Lourdes 53.10
5. Zumbrota- Mazeppa 52.30