COLUMBUS — The Kearney Bearcat Marching Band earned several awards at the Columbus Marching Band Festival on Saturday, Sept. 30.
The band earned first place in the event’s parade, best effect score, best marching score, best music score and a superior rating, the highest possible.
“I am so proud of the hard work the students have done leading up to this performance. It is our first of the season and they are really marching and playing well,” said Kearney High School Band Director Nathan LeFeber.
“This week we just need to work on refining the show; straightening lines, finishing crescendos, and making sure they execute with perfection. I am excited to see these students perform in Grand Island on Oct. 7 at Harvest of Harmony,” LeFeber said.
The penultimate competition Kearney will take part in is the Omaha Marching Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 14.
The final competition of the season will be the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association State Marching Contest, on Saturday, Oct. 21. The west festival site will be hosted at KHS.
Kearney was able to earn a division one, superior, rating during last year’s state contest.
The Kearny marching band is performing “The Arena,” composed by Rob Stein.
Movement one is titled, “Entering the Arena,” which Mitchell said has a “majestic theme.” The show notes state that a snare drum and French horn will herald the start of the show. A unison woodwind feature will lead into the next movement.
“Dust, Sweat and Blood,” is the title of the second movement which Mitchell described as, “intense.” The show notes state that the low brass immediately impacts the tone in this section.
The third movement, “Coming Up Short,” is softer and more flowing. This movement takes on a more mournful tone that will invoke a feeling of being at one’s lowest point, according to the show notes.
“Finding Success,” is the final movement and features fanfare-like music that will build to a powerful ending.
