by Brad Horton ’15
For only the second time in the history of the Saint Ignatius Band, it has received a 1 at the State OMEA Competition. This competition has two levels: state and district. A band can only go on to the state level after recieveing a 2 or higher at district level. The grading system goes from 1-5 with 1 being the best score and 5 being the worst score.
Each band must prepare three pieces to play before a panel of judges, and then the band must “sight-read” a piece after only looking at it and going over it for a total of eight minutes. The location of the event changes each year, but this year it was at North Royalton High School.
The Saint Ignatius Band played “On the Square March,” “Appilachian Morning,” and “Pathways.” Band Director Mr. Roth said, “the band did well, but there is always room for improvement.” He also emphasized the fact that this is not a compeitiion, but an evaluation of the band itself. “It’s about how well we do,” Mr. Roth said.
The band has worked for months on these pieces and they usually perform very well at this event. However, this is a very special year for the band being able to get a 1 in both district and state levels. Go see a band concert and support one of the best high school bands in the state.
