Bronco Band places sixth at area contest

The CHS Bronco Band finished sixth in Area Marching Competition last Saturday in the band’s third consecutive appearance at the contest.

CHS band director Todd Baker said the performance in Odessa’s Ratliff Stadium was top notch.

“It was by far the best they had done,” Baker said. “It was a good, clean performance. I was especially proud of the way the kids overcame academic hurdles and physical injuries. We also had good student leadership.”

The band competed against 11 other bands before a five-judge panel. Their highest ranking from a judge was third, and their lowest ranking was eighth.

Baker said judges were impressed with Clarendon’s marching, drill design, and overall impression. They were critical of what Baker called “the lack of balance” in the band, meaning the group could use some more low brass instruments.

The band is composed of 65 members and is under the field direction of Carrie Helms, Meghan Roberts, and Chuck Robertson. Ashlee Kidd captains the Flag Corps, and Jessie Anderberg is the feature twirler.

Baker said he and assistant band director Jennifer Willison appreciate the kids’ attitude and how hard they worked on their performance.

High school bands are qualified to advance every two years based on their UIL classification. Class 2A schools won’t be able to advance again until 2003.

The Bronco Band also advanced to area competition in 1997 and 1999.