Pella was edged out of first place by less than a point and the Marching Dutch finished second in Class B of the 38th annual ValleyFest Showdown this weekend.

Pella performed among the best ensembles from the state at the largest Marching Band Festival in Iowa. The Marching Dutch finished with a score of 76.7, with Independence High School scoring 77.5 to take first in Class B. Pella received recognition for best drumline as well. Regardless of class, the Marching Dutch score was 4th best overall in the competition.

The Marching Dutch, as well as Knoxville and PCM, will next perform at the Iowa High School Music state competition on Saturday, October 14th at Pella High School. Pella has earned a Division I-superior rating for 41 consecutive years. All three schools then travel to Ankeny for the Mid-Iowa Band Championship to finish the season.
—
Class B (3A) Results:
Independence – 77.5
Pella – 76.7
Norris – 66.2
North Polk – 63.4
Oskaloosa – 62
Saydel – 61.3
DCG – 57.7
Winterset – 56.3
Clarke – 56.3

Overall Results:
Bellevue (Nebraska) – 87.8
Waukee – 82.9
Independence – 77.5
Pella – 76.7
Ankeny Centennial – 76.1
—
State Performance Schedule – Oct. 14th at Pella High School:

North Mahaska – Class 1A – 9:15 a.m.
PCM – Class 2A – 9:30
Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont – Class 2A – 9:45 a.m.
Albia – Class 2A – 10:10 a.m.
Cardinal – Class 2A – 10:40 a.m.
Davis County – Class 2A – 10:55 a.m.
Mid-Prairie – Class 2A – 11:10 a.m.
Williamsburg – Class 2A – 11:25 a.m.
Highland – Class 2A – 11:40 a.m.
Washington – Class 3A – 12:45 p.m.
Centerville – Class 3A – 1:00 p.m.
Grinnell – Class 3A – 1:25 p.m.
Knoxville – Class 3A – 1:40 p.m.
Oskaloosa – Class 3A – 1:55 p.m.
Pella – Class 3A – 2:10 p.m.