Spartan Shield

Junior Estelle Treiber twirls in front of the band at the PV-Kennedy football game.

Arguably equally as exciting as the game, the Pleasant Valley halftime show isn’t one to miss. The perfectly calculated ensemble is a stellar interlude to an intense game, and PV students are to thank. 

A staggering 280 students participate in the marching band alone, making them one of the largest high school marching bands in Iowa. Filling the entire football field, the band plays a fun variety of strategically ordered pieces chosen primarily by students. The band is abounding with talent and dedication; they’re always turning around to prepare their next performance with anywhere from two weeks to just a few days to put together an entire show. 

Something that makes the performances so special is they are led by students. One of several drum majors, Kaitlyn Morris, steps up onto the podium at each home game to lead and conduct the band, but her duties don’t stop there. “As a drum major my biggest job is to ensure that our band [knows] why band is a place where everyone is welcome and everyone belongs,” Morris explained.

As seen in front of the band, junior Estelle Treiber mesmerizes the crowd with her astounding twirling skills. Though loved by the fans, being a solo performer in front of hundreds of people isn’t always easy. “When I perform in front of a judge, or the crowd at nationals, it’s very different than in front of my peers; twirling in front of people I know is definitely more pressure,” Treiber remarked.

Twirling is a much different experience than dancing and cheerleading: it’s completely individual, or at least for Treiber. She is able to overcome this pressure with her pure love for the sport. “I do feel at home when I’m twirling because I just focus on my baton and enjoying the performance; everything else kind of falls away,” Treiber said.

Following Treiber and the band, 13 time state champion team PV Platinum presents a fun and energetic choreography to end the production. After losing some incredible seniors, the new year has been hard on the team. However, they have held their composure and continue to do big things with support from their senior leaders. “As the new team captain I was a little nervous at first knowing I had big shoes to fill. This season we’ve been working harder than ever in order to improve each day,” senior captain Maci Quam remarked.

The upcoming homecoming halftime show will certainly be worth a watch as well. With a special appearance from the PV cheer team and a collaboration of the band and PV Platinum, this unique and highly anticipated show will surely be a thrilling start to homecoming weekend.

Even with hopes of always growing and improving, it’s safe to say the Spartans know how to put on a halftime show.