Local bands compete at River View invitational
The 42nd annual River View Black Bear Marching Band Invitational was held on Oct. 12 at Don Rushing Stadium.
High school bands participating in the competition included Fort Frye, Lexington, Meadowbrook, Marlington, Perry, and local high schools Coshocton, Ridgewood and River View. The Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) sanctions the marching band invitational. Their rules, regulations and standards were used for this competition.
Kristine Little, an eighth grader at Coshocton said this was her first year in band. “I play base drum. I would see them playing the drums through the hall and it was like, ‘Yeah, I want to do that next year.’ I think we did decent. People like the song and I think we did pretty well overall. Our show was Enigma Wrapped in Shadow.”
Abigail Little is in the ninth grade at Coshocton, and this is her first year playing trumpet. “I have only been playing about two months. It was either saxophone or trumpet and we didn’t have enough trumpets.”
Caden Griffiths a senior at Coshocton plays sousaphone. “I’m excited for the competition. We did pretty well last time at Zanesville. I hope we get to go to state this time. We practice every day from 2:45-5 p.m. during marching band season.”
Yina Keller a ninth grader and a member of the color guard couldn’t participate because of a foot injury that occurred the second week of camp. “I wanted to do something for my first year of high school and wanted to do something in band since the end of seventh grade.” She was still happy to attend the event with her parents and support her school.
The theme Enigma Wrapped in Shadows explores the secret world of spies and the intelligence community.
Ridgewood’s Jensen Cunningham also plays the sousaphone. This is his third year in marching band, but his first year playing the sousaphone. “It’s heavy, definitely heavy but it’s a lot of fun. I have a very unique part because this is the only sousaphone. It’s interesting. It’s been an experience for sure. “
The Ridgewood Marching Generals theme was Requiem for the Night, including “Moonlight Sonata,” “Dies Irae,” from Requiem and “Komm Susser Tod.” The Ridgewood band has competed in the OMEA band contests for more than 30 years and has earned many state superior ratings.
River View Junior Zoe Hardesty smiled for the camera while walking into the stadium for the competition. She has played flute since fifth grade. “I’m not nervous at all, I just hope we get a win.”
The theme for River View was WILD, including “Welcome to the Jungle,” “Afro Blue” and “Africa.” The River View Black Bear band is made up of students in grades ninth thru 12th who meet every school day and three days each week after school.
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