The Band held their concert on March 3rd before heading two nights later to the Ohio Music Education Association competition, performing “Luz Y Sombra” by Jorge L. Vargas, meaning Light and Dark, “Phoenix Rekindled” by Grace Baugher-Dunlap, and “The Cave You Fear” by Michael Markowski at both events.
At the competition, the Band earned an overall score of Ⅱ– Excellent, on performance pieces and a I – Superior on sight reading. The Band missed qualifying for state by just one point, but still earned that designated strong result. The OMEA uses a scale where lower numbers are better.
The band has been preparing for this occasion since coming back from winter break. Even with all the snow days, it worked out with only one and a half months of practice.
“With more practice days, the band would have performed way better, but the results were still strong,” stated sophomore Isabella Broerman.
Before performing, the band had a total of 25 minutes to prepare.
There was one personal solo which Ella Flyn performed at the end of “Phoenix Rekindled.” Most of the solos were sectional solos. Gracie Reiss was to perform a piano part to accompany one of the songs, but they did not have a piano.
To make sure the band was performing at its best, Mr. Hollenbaugh brought in guests beforehand to observe and critique the band.
“All the people were screaming, singing songs from a Little Shop of Horrors and choir songs on the way,” stated Shae Amstutz, a senior during the ride to the competition. The atmosphere was fun, not nerve-wracking.
