“We are so excited about them coming to play at halftime of our Homecoming game,” said St. Edmond Activities Director David Flattery last fall. “Brandon Ruffridge reached out and put me in touch with Al Paulson about coordinating the (Homecoming) show. Laura Klein-Ferry (assistant band director and color guard coach) has also been in touch with us.

“Football and marching band go hand and hand and … bring a college game day feel.”

Before school started, St. Edmond reached out to Fort Dodge to begin the collaboration.

“We were unable to fill a band teaching position, so we reached out to be able to give our band kids the opportunity,” Flattery said. “(Fort Dodge Superintendent) Josh Porter helped us put it together before school started.

“There was a lot that went into making sure our students aligned with their band schedule in the first period.”

St. Edmond students were a part of the FDSH marching band as well as the other bands that Fort Dodge has to offer this school year.

Paulson, who has been the FDSH band director for 12 years, and the Dodger students welcomed the new members with open arms.

“They are part of us now and that’s the way it is,” Paulson said. “Right now there are two seniors and a freshman. They are excited about the marching band and it gives them the opportunity to play.”

The band showcased its show from “Chicago” and it also learned the St. Edmond fight song and played it during the Gaels Homecoming game against GTRA.

Paulson has seen a smooth transition as the band members have come together and the administrations as well.

“The administration has been very positive,” Paulson said. “I’ve talked with Mr. (Brandon) Ruffridge (activities director) and we all are so excited about having this and what it looks like.”

With the new opportunity, St. Edmond students interested in music have been able to keep playing.

“The kids have been taking advantage of the opportunity and they are enjoying it,” Flattery said. “We’ve had a marching band in the past and they played at one game during the season.

“This gives our students a chance to be in the marching band and we also have a girl in the orchestra.”

The minute Porter and the FDSH schools found out St. Edmond wouldn’t have a band, he was quick to offer support.

“Al Paulson came up with the idea to play at Homecoming and it’s going to be awesome and different for them,” Porter said. “Anytime we can collaborate and show support for St. Edmond is great for each other. We work hard to build a good relationship.

“It’s really important in Fort Dodge and the community to work together, as well as Iowa Central, sharing the stadium.”