Marching in the Colorado Bandmasters 2A State Championships in Grand Junction on Oct. 28, M-CHS finished second, just behind defending 2A state champion D\u2019Evelyn High School.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was really pleased with the performance,\u201d said M-CHS band director Rodney Ritthaler. \u201cAlthough it was warm, the wind was blowing really bad, but I thought that the kids did a great job and put on a fantastic performance.<\/p>\n
After posting a score of 69.05 in the semifinals, M-CHS advanced to the finals and scored a 68.80, 68.80, which was good enough for second place behind D\u2019Evelyn, which scored a 71.40.<\/p>\n
Although narrowly missing out on a state title was disappointing, band members agreed that the marching season was well worth it.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe did so much better than last year,\u201d said sophomore alto saxophone player Ryan Jackson. \u201cI was so happy to go to finals this year.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOn day one, it was really shaky,\u201d said senior drum major Patrick McDonald. \u201cWe had a really young group, but it got a lot better. By the time we got to state, I was satisfied.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI will remember the amount of growth from the very beginning when we started band camp to the culmination of what we did at state,\u201d said Ritthaler. \u201cOur group put forth a tremendous amount of effort.\u201d<\/p>\n
With the marching season now behind them, the M-CHS will begin preparing for the concert band season while marching in a few parades on the side.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead to next marching season, the band will return loaded and ready to contend for a state title.<\/p>\n
\u201cThings look really good,\u201d Ritthaler said. \u201cAlthough the seniors graduating are some top notch kids, the group coming up from middle school looks to be larger than the last few years.\u201d<\/p>\n
Before thinking too extensively about next season however, those involved with the M-CHS band will take some time to revel in what turned out to be an outstanding 2013 marching season.<\/p>\n