Photo by Claudine Koppers Fugman

In a showcase that featured some of the best high school marching bands from seven different states, the Pella Marching Dutch held their own and showed why they are among the best ensembles in the Midwest at the Bands of America Regional Championships Saturday.

For the first time in program history, the Marching Dutch competed in the showcase held at Waukee Northwest High School, placing 6th overall in the finals and winning Class A in the preliminary round — where the band also swept the caption awards. Click here for full results.

The Marching Dutch return to competition at the Valleyfest showdown this Saturday.