The Alden-Conger Marching Band used to march once a summer, for Morin Lake Days.

Friday, June 08, 2001

The Alden-Conger Marching Band used to march once a summer, for Morin Lake Days. But once the community got behind the idea of new uniforms, the band decided to expand its summer season.

This year, the band is performing a total of six times. The new uniforms – the first since the mid-1980s – debuted on Memorial Day. The band will also play at Borderfest in Emmons tonight, Valleyfair June 13, the Albert Lea Festival of Bands on June 17, July Jubilee in Lake Mills on July 14, and Morin Lake Days in Alden on July 21. Then they’ll play at all home football games in the fall.

Director Chris Dibble said he believes the summer program gives kids better ownership of the band program. &uot;It changes up the pace,&uot; he said of the expanded summer season. &uot;Plus, we’re putting instruments in the kids’ hands more often, and that certainly doesn’t hurt.&uot;

All this week, band members practiced marching and playing from 8 a.m. until noon. For its performances, the marching band plays &uot;Latin Closer,&uot; comprised of two Spanish songs, as well as the Alden-Conger school song.

Dibble said this coming fall, Alden-Conger will have band every day, instead of every other day, another change about which he’s excited.

Marching this summer are 70 students in grades 9-12, with some select younger students. In past years, kids have been eligible to march beginning in sixth grade.

&uot;We have fewer marching this summer, but our overall numbers are up again,&uot; Dibble said.

The new uniforms feature red jackets, black slacks and a silver sash.

&uot;You could see the change in the kids when they put them on,&uot; Dibble said. &uot;They’re proud of them.

&uot;This is something the community wanted to do,&uot; the director added.

The band is about halfway through its fund-raising for the uniforms. Donations are still being accepted at the school in Alden.