HERMISTON, Ore.-The Hermiston High School Marching Band brought home first place in their division from the Cavalcade of Bands in Kennewick on October 4.
The Hermiston Marching Band won six awards, including “Best Overall” in the AA division, the latest accolades in what has been a strong season for a young band.
“It’s been a really good season so far,” said HHS Band Director Sean McClanahan. “Cavalcade was a big boost for our kids.”
Hermiston competed against 16 other bands at Cavalcade and was judged on visual, music, brass, woodwinds, percussion, color guard, and general effect elements relating to how the music, props and movement of a performance all fit together.
According to McClanahan, the Hermiston Marching Band began putting their performance entitled “Through the Bitterness,” together in early August and practiced throughout the summer, and then three days a week when school started.
“Through the Bitterness” portrays a town centered around a coal mine that experiences a death, followed by sorrow, and ultimately, hope for the future by the third movement.
In addition to “Best Overall,” the Hermiston Marching Band’s performance at Cavalcade of Bands earned them awards for Best Percussion, Best Brass and Winds, Best Visual, Best Color Guard and Best General Effect.
“Band can be hard, it’s very labor-intensive,” said McClanahan. “So, it’s nice to see the results, to have our students rewarded for the work they put in.”
The Hermiston Marching Band performed in the Westward Ho Parade and the Umatilla Fair Parade this summer and took second place at the Pacific Northwest Marching Band Championships in Spokane on October 11.
“We’ve got a lot of underclassmen, and the band is a really young group right now,” said McClanahan. “There’s a lot to teach, but our staff has had a positive impact, and the kids are excited and buying in. That will build on itself and the program will keep getting better.”
The Hermiston Marching Band will compete at the Northwest Association for Performing Arts (NWAPA) Sunset Classic in Beaverton on October 18, and in the NWAPA Championships in Hillsboro on October 25.
The Hermiston Band Boosters support the band with fundraising efforts throughout the year, including bingo nights, a talent show, a dinner and auction.
On October 27, the Band Boosters will host a Costume Bingo Night from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the high school. Concessions will be open, and costumes are encouraged. The cost is $10 for five games.
Congratulations