AHS Marching Band Wins Big at Outback Bowl

Out of the 20 high school marching bands participating in the Jan. 2 Outback Bowl's parade and halftime show in Tampa, one band took home the honor as being the best—the Marching Band.

The Michigan State Spartans may have squeaked out a victory in triple overtime over Georgia, but the 130 members of AHS Marching Band that traveled to Florida were the clear victors in the music category.

The band was chosen as the first place marching band in the large school category, and won the prestigious Grand Champion Trophy at the Outback Bowl Parade, and the color guard also won the outstanding auxiliary award. 

Eight other bands from around the country competed in the evening parade. 

“The students had a great time experiencing the sites of Florida, as well as rehearsing for and performing in the Outback Bowl,” stated Todd Burkholder, the AHS Marching Band director.  “We are very proud of their performances.” 

The band spent seven days traveling between Disney World and Tampa, performing in the Magic Kingdom Parade, the Outback Bowl Parade on New Year’s Eve, and in the Outback Bowl halftime show on Jan. 2.

Editor's Note: Most of the content in this article was provided by Tia Clasen, communications director for the Robbinsdale Area Schools. If you have photos, videos or recaps of an event taking place in Golden Valley or in the Robbinsdale or Hopkins schools, please email the editor, Mary Costello (mary.costello@patch.com).