By Philip Emmel | City of Schmedeman, Mitchell County

The Badger Boys State Band performed at the general assembly Monday night along with the Choir, to a rousing effect.

The band’s performance of popular songs like “Seven Nation Army” and “The Final Countdown” energized the 850 attending citizens, as well as the counselors, who led claps and cheers until the guest speakers began their speeches.

Some members of the band combined their talents with the choir to perform “God Over Fathers” in between speakers, cheered on by the waving of small American flags of each person attending.

The band does not have many woodwinds this year, and is therefore dominated by brass instruments like trumpets and trombones, creating a loud, blasting effect. This has been perfect for the general assemblies, which are held in Ripon College’s Willmore Center Gymnasium.

Its performances have been very well-received by the citizen body, especially in consideration of the fact that the band has only had three practices together. Their practices continue every day this week, culminating in heavily anticipated performances Thursday and Friday night.

Overall, the band’s contributions to the assemblies have been, and will continue to be, very appreciated and anticipated.