Marching band, Color Guard create history
On October 3, the marching band participated in their first Bands of America (BOA) competition of the season at Centerville High School. Despite cold temperatures, wind, and the long day, the event proved to be very successful for the SHS band.
“Weather can definitely have an effect on the color guard’s performance. Wind carries the flags so you have to adjust your tosses,” said Brynn Sharp, 12.
In the preliminary competition the band competed against three other bands. SHS tied for outstanding visuals and won the outstanding general effect award. Also, for the first time in SHS marching band history, the band placed first in their class.
“The only thing that messed with us was the wind, not the pressure of performance, but in the end we came out on top,” said Maddie Pope, 10.
For getting first place in their class, every member of the band and guard received a medal during finals awards. They also earned a spot in the finals competition by placing sixth overall in prelims.
“It was very fun to win medals and be the best in our class,” said Lauren Barrett, 11.
During finals the marching band competed against the ten highest scoring bands from the preliminary competition. After all ten bands performed, all band and guard members got to go out on the field for awards.
This special event is one of the things that BOA competitions are known for. Usually only the drum majors go on the field for the award ceremonies, but BOA gives everyone a chance to experience it.
The SHS band ended up dropping from sixth place to ninth place but the members were still proud of their accomplishments.
“We may have dropped a couple of spots during finals, but I’m still happy that we were champions in our own division,” said Alec Stamper, 10.