Band Makes Great Strides

November 3, 2009  
Filed under News

Last Wednesday, Oct. 14, the Ottawa Marching Cyclones traveled to Baldwin to compete in the Baker Marching Festival. In the Festival, a band performs a marching show, usually with three songs, and is judged on both musicality and marching fundamentals.

Preparation for this day included numerous hours putting sets on the field and working on the bands marching technique, as well as the musicality and memorization of the three songs in the show. This year the show was titled, “Music by the Eagles,” including the songs, “Take it Easy,” “Heartache Tonight,” and “Desperado.”

Last year, the Marching Cyclones also participated in this event, but the results were not as pleasing. The best score a band can receive is one, while the worst is a five. Getting a three last year, everyone learned what not to do. This year the band received a high two, only eight points away from a one and the highest score of the session the band performed in.

Courtney Williams, the band director, said last year there was a lot of room for improvement. The band took what they learned last year and built on it, making it better. Improvements made included using time more wisely, setting expectations higher and improving the band’s overall work ethic.

However, the Cyclones still have room for improvement. “To accomplish even more, the band should keep their expectations high and always give 100 percent,” Williams said.

The students agree with Williams. Claire Shea, junior, said, “This year we knew where we were going around the football field much better than last year. I also think our sound and tone quality improved. Yet, both years our school spirit was high.”

The whole band was excited about the rating, and they hope to carry this enthusiasm into concert band season.

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Chelsea Jamison

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