BHS marching band impresses in Auburn

Published 10:21 pm Friday, November 14, 2014

The Spartan marching band finished first at Auburn to close their already impressive season.

According to the Bainbridge High School marching band director, the Auburn Veterans Day Parade and Field Show Competition is widely regarded as the state’s unofficial championship for marching bands.

So it was quite a noteworthy victory indeed when, on Saturday, the BHS squad finished first in the A Division for the second time in three years.

This year, their win included caption awards for “Best Music,” “Best Marching,” “Best Color Guard” and “Best Drum Majors.”  The A Division is for bands of 55 or fewer members and consisted of nine ensembles from all over the state.

At only 53 participants, the  Bainbridge band was nevertheless mighty enough to knock off nine larger bands from the AA, AAA and “Open” Divisions.

Bainbridge finished 11 out of 27 bands overall.

“I am so proud of the community we are building in the BHS Band Program,” said BHS director of bands Chris Thomas. “These kids really put their hearts into making this season special, and I can’t wait to see what they are able to accomplish together next year.”

The day also featured a specific parade competition where BHS finished first in their division as well. This was a first for the band, having finished third in 2012 and second in 2013.

Their parade score was good enough to place BHS at an impressive fourth out of 27 bands overall.

“Marching band is such a funny activity,” Thomas said. “There really isn’t anything else like it. It’s artistic, way more athletic than most people would expect, and just a ton of fun when it’s done right.”

“We’re lucky here at BHS, because our band has tremendous student leadership, a supportive district, and a solid group of parent volunteers that work hard to help make us a success. Really though, it comes down to the students,” he added. “They just rocked it this year.  I’m so proud of them.”

This year’s marching band show was entitled, “Monster on the Mountain,” and featured music from Edvard Grieg’s famous “Peer Gynt Suite,” in addition to Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” Music arrangements were done by Don Neptun, Colin Brown and Jay Dawson.

The band’s visual program was designed by James Laymen and Alex Dahoda.