The Spartan Marching Band is officially the third highest scoring band in West Virginia for the 2021 marching season.
On Saturday, Oct. 30, following Friday’s Homecoming parade, the marching band geared up for a full day’s worth of performances at various marching band competitions across the state.
“I am so proud of our band members!” Band Director Jim Allder told The West Virginia Daily News. “They worked very hard, not only in putting together a challenging show, but also overcoming challenges and adversity throughout the season to finish as State Champions in our class!”
The weekend included multiple competitions and multiple awards for the Spartan Marching Band. This includes:
– In the Governor’s Cup standing, an award based on the overall point awarded throughout the entire marching season, the band took first place in their class and second runner up in total points in the entire state.
– At Winfield High School, the band took the Class C Championship, as well as first place colorguard, first place music, first place marching, first place general effect, and second place percussion.
– At Phillip Barbour High School, the band took overall grand champion first runner up. In the class awards, they took first place overall band in class, first place general effect, first place music, second place marching, second place drum majors, second place colorguard, and third place percussion.
The high school band’s field show, The Dark Side of Oz, brings together iconic themes and riffs from the Wizard of Oz and Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. The show was inspired by an urban legend, saying that when the movie and the album begin at the same time, they line up strangely well, the album serving as an alternate score for the events of the movie.
Allder also reflected on why this season was personally unique for him.
“This season has been extra special to me, having both of my own kids in the band, and my wife Tasha helping out in many ways. Our daughter Ceili is a senior and has portrayed Dorothy in the show. Our son Cedric is a junior baritone player and has filled multiple solo roles. … For us, the Spartan Band really is a family project, and we love it that way!”
With the season now done, Allder and the remaining juniors, sophomores, and freshman are now looking to the next season, and the upcoming Eastern Greenbrier Middle School eighth grade class.
“The Spartan Band will have openings for new members for the 2022 season!” Allder said. “We encourage all interested students who will be entering 9th-12th grade next year to get involved. The only requirements are the ability to attend all practices and performances, and having a great attitude! Prior experience is not necessary.”
For more about the show, and the band, see “GEHS and EGMS Bands Play Spartan Stadium in Strong Season,” in the Oct. 20 edition of The West Virginia Daily News.
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