The Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District on Monday recognized Middleton High School’s marching band and color guard for finishing second in the Wisconsin School Music Association Marching Band State Competition and for winning three of four caption awards.

The board said the ensemble, which includes more than 200 students, earned second place in Class AAA and took home best color guard for the fourth consecutive year, best musical presentation for the second consecutive year and best percussion for the first time in school history. "We are proud to recognize Middleton High School's amazing marching band and color guard for their second place finish at the Wisconsin School Music Association Marching Band State Competition Championships," the presenter said.

The district noted the band’s season included first-place finishes at several invitational shows and that the state competition was held Oct. 18 at UW–Whitewater. The program’s theme was "Cleared for Takeoff," featuring music by U2, M83, George Gershwin and Christopher Tin and an airplane prop.

Band directors named during remarks included Eric Rothicker, Doug Brown and Michael Vervort; color guard coaches were listed as Casey Graff and Madeline Holman. Percussion coaches mentioned were Patrick Coughlin, Sebastian Dewart, Haley LaValle, Tanner Day and Charlie Fenske. Student leaders introduced themselves to the board: Marley Pavelski identified herself as a junior and color guard captain, Haley Chodlowski as a junior and drum major, and other students identified themselves as section leaders and drum majors.

Board members and the audience applauded the students and the staff who support them, and the board presentation concluded with thanks to volunteers and staff who assisted the program.