In the highest score ever achieved in school history, the Bayfield High School Marching Wolverines scored a 67.85 at the Colorado Bandmasters Association state competition on Monday, taking second place in the 1A category.
“When we were lined up to go on the field at the end, all the judges saw us and they went nuts over the kids and the characters and the show,” Band Director Derek Smith wrote in a post on his Facebook page. “It happens every year. So many people in the parking lot say that our show is the best or at least their favorite.”
Moving up from last year’s third-place finish, band members have their eyes on next year’s state championship.
“Strong second to a very, very solid band,” Smith wrote. “Congratulations to Estes Park,” which won the championship by scoring 70 points, possibly a state 1A record. “Don’t get too comfy up there, I already know next year’s show…”
Smith attributed this year’s success to the band’s strong musicians and supporters. The two drum majors have done an excellent job leading them, he added.
“Lenka Doskocil and Savannah Kaufmann are quite simply two of the most remarkable young leaders you will find anywhere,” he wrote. “They have instilled a sense of pride, of hunger, of discipline, and focus I have never encountered in one of my bands. When I needed something done, I did it myself. When I needed something done RIGHT, my drum majors handled it.”
Smith has been assisted this fall by Rachel Phelps, John Patton and Joseph Collard, as well as Sharon Hunter, who coaches the drill team.
The Marching Wolverines will present their show for the final time Saturday during the Bayfield-Florence 2A football playoffs at halftime. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. at Wolverine Country Stadium.
