Tea Area Marching Band brings home top honors from March to the Meridian: Titans take first in both parade and field in Class AAAA

The Tea Area High School Marching Band had an incredible day at the March to the Meridian competition in Yankton on Saturday, Oct. 11, bringing home an impressive seven awards — including first place in both the parade and field competitions, as well as the coveted Sweepstakes title.

“This was our third year competing at the March to the Meridian,” said Band Director Stephanie Wranek. “This year we came home with seven awards on the day. It was an outstanding day for our group.”

In the parade competition, Tea Area earned first place in Class AAAA and swept the caption awards, taking home honors for Outstanding Color Guard, Best Percussion, and Best Winds.

The band continued its strong showing in the field competition, claiming Outstanding Color Guard and First Place in Class AAAA, edging out Aberdeen Central by a narrow one-point margin. 

A sweepstakes award was also presented to the band scoring the highest combined score between street and field, Tea Area tied with Aberdeen Central for that award. 

This year’s show, “Marian: The Ladyhood of Sherwood Forest,” puts a creative twist on the classic Robin Hood tale. The performance follows Marian as she steps into the hero’s role to save Robin after his capture. The production features a dynamic blend of musical selections and visual storytelling designed to draw the audience into the heart of Sherwood Forest.

Several students are featured as soloists, including Claire Hyronimus and Kelsey Kramer on French horn, and Allie Wallum on flute. The colorguard and drumline have also taken on more advanced and intricate material this season, contributing to the overall strength and energy of the show.

Next up for the Marching Titans is the Quad State Regional competition in Vermillion on Oct. 18, this will be their final competition. The band will leave from Tea Area High School at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, community members are asked to line up along Brian Street to send them off with community support. The band will hold their Marching Band Finale Concert in Tea on Oct. 20.