IONIA, Mich. -- The regular season is a wrap for many West Michigan high school football teams, along with the marching bands that accompany them. It's safe to say the Marching Bulldogs of Ionia had a winning season, finishing in the top ten of their division in the state.
It's clear from the start that the Marching Bulldogs are about much more than just playing at football halftime shows. They also march in local and statewide judged competitions. This year, the Ionia Bulldog Band started strong and stayed strong.
The more than 100-piece marching band has been hard at work since band camp in mid-July, learning sets, dance moves and memorizing page after page of music. This year's rock-themed show includes songs from Steely Dan, Daft Punk and Coldplay.
The lively show is racking up the trophies, but one award in the group means the most for band director, Scott Beyer. "For me, I like the Best Music Award because that's what we do. That's what I do. I like to teach music."
If you want to catch the band in action this Wednesday, they are holding their Blue and White Review in the Ionia High School gymnasium from 7 pm to 8 pm. It is not a traditional performance. They will wear glow sticks and perform everything that you would see on the field inside and in the dark.
