The sounds of the Marching Dutch have echoed each morning across the Pella School District campus and nearby neighborhood as students gear up for a season of performance and competition.

But unlike years past, the COVID-19 pandemic still looms as the program recognized as one of the best in Iowa forges ahead with halftime shows and contests, when many other ensembles have significantly reduced or eliminated their own marching band schedules.

Senior Annika Boonstra is one of four drum majors leading the Marching Dutch on the field this fall, and says it’s been special to get together again as a group, even with health restrictions in place, as she and fellow students try to find a sense of normal during what has been a time of adjustment in returning to school.

“I’m just so excited to spend more time with the band and just to get this opportunity to spend time with my drum majors and with the rest of my friends,” she says. “Being able to have one final show and seeing it all come together is just super meaningful to me and I don’t want to take it for granted at all, because this is a huge opportunity.”

Boonstra says this year’s show continues the tradition of challenging songs, with the theme of the return to performance meaning more after she and many of her classmates missed out on spring competitions, performances, and class time.

The Marching Dutch will kick off the performance season tonight during halftime of the Pella vs. Harlan football game, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m. and can be heard on KRLS2. Hear from the Drum Majors of the Marching Dutch on today’s Let’s Talk Pella and during the Midtown Tire Team Radio Pregame show at 6:30 this evening.