Viking Marching Band Performs at Rams' Opening Game

          On Sunday, Sept. 12, the Parkway North Marching Band will play the National Anthem at the Edward Jones Dome for the Rams season opener.  The band has the opportunity to play at the season opener through a program that the Rams have set up, allowing high school bands to play at their events. 
             “We submitted tapes and videos of the band to the Rams for review.  And once we were approved, we were fortunate to receive the opener,” said band director Mark Linn. 
             The band has been preparing for the game as well as other competitions during daily practice each morning.
             “We performed the national anthem during band camp and in morning practices.  Once it’s learned,  it’s pretty easy.  Playing it this Friday at North’s football game should be good practice for the Rams game,” said junior band member Jenny Heck.
             The band will be playing for a big audience next Sunday.  According to ESPN, the Rams averaged 55, 237 people per game last year.  However, the game is expected to be sold out because it is the season opener and Rams’ draft pick Sam Bradford’s regular season debut. 
             “We’re used to playing for large audiences.  We’ve played Cardinals games for the past seven years and we have played at the Dome for competitions since it was built,” Linn said.  “I want to thank the Rams for this opportunity – it is an honor.”

By Connor Kraus