Meet Your Neighbor

Tom and Jean Theisen

June 03, 2007

Sound of Sun Prairie Volunteers

Tom and Jean Theisen love a parade.

That's why they're busy recruiting entries for the community's premier marching event of the summer, Flags of Freedom, which will feature 11 bands from throughout the U.S. and Canada, including the event's hosts, the Sound of Sun Prairie.

Having taken on the responsibility of finding parade entries for this June 30 extravaganza, the Theisens are encouraging local church groups, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and entertainers to sign up now. Registration information is available by calling Tom and Jean at 837-3114.

Sound of Sun Prairie is an organization near and dear to this dynamic duo's heart. Their daughter Laura is part of the band and their son Steven, now a student at UW-Stevens Point, is a past member.

Tom has also served as parade announcer the past two years and will continue the role June 30.

The Theisens are quick to point out that they are just two of dozens of volunteers contributing countless hours throughout the summer to help the musicians and color guard stay safe, healthy, stylishly dressed and well fed. In fact, for the Flags of Freedom parade alone, there are 13 committees.

"It's neat to see the families that all work together to make the show happen," says Tom. "I think it's a real sense of accomplishment when they get to that final performance and it all comes together. It gives you goose bumps."

"It brings tears to my eyes," adds Jean. "There's so much work involved. That's why they need a lot of volunteers."

On the evening of the Flags of Freedom parade, there will be a field competition at the high school, with eleven groups taking part. The participant list will be slightly different than the parade lineup as some bands only march while others stick to field performances.

Part of both events will be a performance by Echo, a group of Sound alumni from the past 35 years. (Before taking the Sound of Sun Prairie name, the group was called the Cardinal Guard.)

There will be plenty of Echo merchandise on sale at the evening event, with funds helping support the Sound.

Having seen the way Sound has benefited their own children, as well as hundreds of others they've come in contact with, the Theisens are among the group's strongest advocates.

"These kids are going to work as soon as school lets out ... and practicing every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the hot sun, with the mosquitoes," says Jean, describing the group's work ethic and commitment to excellence. "The camaraderie is unbelievable. And I think the parents get some of that, too."

Adds Tom, "When a football or baseball team is fielded, just a percentage of the players will play. When you field a band, every individual will perform. Nobody is sitting on the sidelines."

The passion the Theisens and so many other Sound parents feel for this group can be felt in the simple cheer proclaimed before every summer competition.

"One, two, three. Love that sound!"