VW bands earn ‘excellent’ state ratings

VWHS band information

FINDLAY — Following an outstanding district contest showing in early March, both Van Wert High School bands traveled to state contest this past Friday, May 4. Both bands performed at Findlay High School for the event, which is sponsored by the Ohio Music Educators Association.

The Concert Band performed first in the Findlay High School gymnasium for a difficult panel of judges. They opened with “Fanfare, Ode and Festival”, gave a wonderful performance of “Apparitions” by Brian Balmages, and brought their performance to a rousing conclusion with “Bonds of Unity” by Karl King. The large audience was very receptive to the performance. The Concert Band, under the direction of Tina Decker, received an “excellent” rating.

The Symphony Band followed shortly after in the Findlay High School auditorium. The band performed for a full house, opening with a classic John Philip Sousa march known as “The Lambs’ March”, followed by a beautiful student favorite, multi-movement work, “Grant Them Eternal Rest” by Andrew Boysen Jr., and closed with “Invocation and Psalm”.

The discerning judges awarded the Symphony Band an “excellent” rating, the fourth consecutive excellent rating for the Symphony Band under the direction of Bob Sloan. Along with its “excellent” rating, the Symphony Band earned a “superior” rating in the sight-reading category — one of only two bands to do so for the weekend, and the only band in Class A to be award the top sight-reading honor.

The Band Department would like to express its gratitude to the many parents, relatives, alumni, and friends who made the trip to Findlay for the performances. Obvious congratulations are extended to the members of both bands for their outstanding efforts on a job well done.

Several other spring performances are upcoming including graduation, and the Peony Parade in the very busy month of May. For more information on any of these events, visit the band website at www.vanwertbands.org, “like” the band on Facebook at Van Wert Bands Information, or call the Music Department at 419.238.3722.