Bands come home with top concert honors

By Carrie Helms, Clarendon Enterprise

Both the Clarendon Bronco and Colt Bands brought home Sweepstakes trophies from the U.I.L District Band competition last week in Boys Ranch.

High school bands receive Sweepstakes by earning superior ratings in all three areas of competition: marching contest in the fall and concert and sight-reading contests in the spring. 

“We didn’t win sweepstakes last year because of minor setback in marching,” band director Todd Baker said, “but this year the band is back where it should be.”

Junior high bands compete in concert and sight-reading and earned superior ratings from all six judges.

“The Colt band had a great day and represented the school well,” Baker said.

Both bands have achieved this honor in the past and hope to continue the tradition of excellence.

“Every year we play harder and more complicated music, and each year we do it a little better,” Baker said. “I believe this was our best effort yet.”

The Bronco Band performed “March Juno,” “Prospect,” and “Declaration Overture.” The Colt band played “Brandy Station March,” “Chester,” and “American Folk Tune Adventure.”

The high school judges were complementary of the band directors, the soloists, and the band.  One judge wrote in his comments, “Money well spent on a fine band program.  Be proud and keep it up!”  Another wrote, “Some of the best clarinet tone quality I have heard in 2 days! What a fine, well-rehearsed band!”

Editor’s Note: Sarah Depew, Kelsea Hoeltzel, and Regan Lemley each contributed to this report.