BY JULIA SAXTON

“We definitely worked harder this year. I wasn’t surprised we did better this year than in the past. We deserved it,” Concert Band member Chelsea Hendricks states.

The MHS Band recently competed in the District 14 OMEA Large Group Contest at Harrison High School. After an impressive showing, the band scored the highest rating, earning them a spot in the State competition. This is the first trip to State since the 70’s

Mariemont Concert Band has advanced to the state level.

In 2009, director Becky Wagner stepped up from the Elementary schools to lead the high school band, after Alan Limke left. It was her decision to start competing as an ensemble again.

Senior Brandon Jacobs was a sophomore when Wagner came to the high school.

“I think she’s a great director. She’s a big part of the reason we made it to state,” says Jacobs.

Jacobs also commented on what he believes to be unexpected, advancement.  “I really thought we were going to get the same scores we did last year. I didn’t even hit me for a while afterwards that we had gotten it,” he said.

For both district competitions in the years 2009 and 2010, the band received a rating of II, which is one rating away from going to state. This year the MHS band received I’s across the board and were finally awarded a spot at the state level competition.

In OMEA large group competitions, there are four judges. Each judge gives the ensemble a rating from “I” to “V” (1 to 5). “I” is the best score and “V” is the lowest. To advance to State, ensembles need to achieve a “I” average from all four judges.

Junior Chelsea Hendricks, a freshmen in 2009, shares her experience with the District competitions.

“It was annoying not to make it the first two years. But this year, I totally expected it,” she says.

Current freshman Marie Schneider shared the experience through a underclassman’s eyes.

“It’s really cool that we made it,” she said. “High school band is so much different than the Junior High. It’s much more independent and so much more goes on.”

The band performs April 28th in Columbus and has selected to play “Brighton Beach” by William P. Latham , “Reflection and Celebration” by Darren W. Jenkins, and “Kentucky 1800” by Clare Grundman.