Madison Reporter

On October 19, 2024, the Middleton High School Cardinal Marching Band secured its first state championship at the Wisconsin School Music Association State Marching Band Championships held at UW-Whitewater. The band narrowly defeated nine-time defending champions Oak Creek with a score of 86.650 to 86.275. Middleton also received awards for Best Musical Performance and Best Color Guard.

"The band worked exceptionally hard this year as individuals as well as lifting each other up to achieve the highest level of success possible," said band director Eric Rothacker. "We pride ourselves on having every student participate and work hard for the group."

Throughout the season, the band remained undefeated in local competitions, achieving first-place finishes and Best Percussion awards in Waukesha, Stoughton, and Sauk Prairie.

In marching band competitions, bands are evaluated by judges across various categories such as visual performance and musical performance. Specific judges assess percussion sections and color guards. Scores from these evaluations contribute to a band's total score out of 100 points.

The Cardinal Marching Band consists of 200 members who begin practicing in August with three weeks of band camp. "It's a pretty steep learning curve," said Michael Ver Voort, one of the band directors.

The rigorous environment during band camp fosters camaraderie among students. "It's so much work, and the days are really long and hot," said Ben Zumbrunnen, MHS senior and head drum major for the band.

Once school begins, practices reduce to once or twice weekly. Students focus on memorizing music and drill routines to enhance their performance quality at competitions around Madison and Milwaukee.

This year's show theme was "Lined With Gold," inspired by kintsugi—a Japanese art form where broken pottery is repaired with gold. The show featured an 11-foot prop vase that broke apart during production but was reassembled with gold highlights by its end.

Planning for next year's show starts early in January with theme selection followed by music composition by professional composers under Doug Brown's guidance while Michael Ver Voort writes drill formations.

"Winning a championship is great," Rothacker noted, "but to do it consistently takes a lot of planning and hard work." He emphasized teamwork involving over 20 student leaders led by drum majors Ben Zumbrunnen, Mado Smith, Asha Chakravartula along with staff members like Douglas Brown among others contributing significantly towards their success.