By: Nevaeh Baker Harris
After a long season, the Columbus High School Blue Devils Marching Band won their class for this year's Sound of the County Marching Invitational, as well as various other awards for their show and class.
The band is headed by band director and teacher Joshua Milam, colorguard coach Brittany Usery, and drum majors Danica Celestine (12), Trinity McAfee (12), and Katie Krump (11). Along with these figures, the band is also headed by smaller section leaders for the individual sections such as low brass and woodwinds.
The win comes after a long period of drought for the Blue Devils, with their last win coming long before the Covid years, and their previous whole band earning superior coming even before that.
Along with not only winning best in their class and second overall at the competition, the band also took home the judges' choice award for best show concept with their show of "Top Secret", featuring music such as "James Bond Opener," "Mission Impossible Theme," and "Soul Bossa Nova" from the hit movie series Austin Powers.
The show also featured interludes of the themes from Kim Possible and Pink Panther, with the former being played by mellophone soloist Henock Ahouelete (10), and the latter being played by saxophones Greyson Chapelle (12), Franciso Moreno (12), and Brody Bartee (11).
To band director Joshua Milam, this win came after a long and arduous practice season and multiple years filled with trials and tribulations.
“[I am] proud of the band and color guard for accomplishing our goals this year when faced with challenges…they worked hard to do very well in competition against the other bands" Milam reflects.
The season happened not without some challenges for the band. Between practices being canceled due to heat and rain as well as having to move their practice field a week before the competition, it's undeniable that the marching band has worked through numerous challenges to do well at their competition.
A list of the rankings and awards that the Blue Devils achieved:
Drum Majors - Superior
Percussion - Superior
Band - Superior
Auxiliaries (Colorguard) - Excellent
Class AA 1st Place Band
Judges Choice: Best Show Concept
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