(Le Mars) — Iowa State University Cyclones football team won’t be the only unit from Iowa to take the field at the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio, Texas, on Friday evening. Gehlen Catholic Marching Band of Le Mars will also be on the field performing during halftime. The Gehlen Band left Le Mars Christmas night heading south for the destination of San Antonio. The Gehlen Catholic Band is under the direction of Paul Niebuhr. Niebuhr says
this marks the sixth time Gehlen has performed at a college bowl game.
Lisa Niebuhr serves as Gehlen’s Development Director. She will accompany her husband and the marching band on their tour. Lisa says the entire trip will have an educational focus.
Gehlen band members and chaperones wave good-bye Tuesday evening as they depart Le Mars for San Antonio, Texas.
In addition to the educational factor of the trip, Lisa says the members of the Gehlen Catholic Band will also have some religious education.
Paul says the trip is so Gehlen Catholic can compete in a marching band contest.
Paul says there will be a total of around 20 bands nationwide from various size schools participating in the Alamo Bowl festivities.
Lisa says the trip also serves the purpose of a community outreach. She says the bowls are non-profit organizations with the proceeds to go to charity organizations.
Gehlen Catholic’s marching band is getting some attention from across the state, including a card from Iowa State University Athletic Director Jamie Pollard.
The Niebuhrs say it is due to the students’ hard work and dedication that has built a tradition of excellence at the Gehlen music department allowing the band to be invited to participate in the bowl games.
Paul and Lisa Niebuhr say the 37 members of the Gehlen Catholic Marching Band will have the opportunity to sport their new marching band uniforms during the Alamo Bowl.
