Striving for a superior
Sophomore Zane Leibhart marches in time.
Everyone knows the feeling of being so close, yet so far away.That’s how North Platte High School’s marching band felt Oct. 24 at this year’s State Marching Competition in Hastings, Nebraska. NPHS was ranked an outstanding 74.65 out of 75–only a small .35 points away from a perfect score.
“Out of the 11 years we’ve been attending this, this is by far our best score,” said band director Brett Bradley. He said the band had improved greatly on their marching and playing. “When we received the 74.65, it was a big upset because we were so close to a 75,” he said. “The only reason we didn’t receive that extra little portion of a point could’ve simply been because any little reason.” Bradley said someone may have stepped out of beat once, or played the wrong note, or twirled a flag wrong. “I was kind of hurt that we received the score we did because if we would’ve fixed just one little mistake, we would’ve received that superior title,” said senior Treyvon Bokoskie. “Although in the judge’s mind, we didn’t deserve a superior, I believe, in my mind, we received a superior,” he said. Senior Marissa Pascoe said the band played with their whole heart. “Out of all my six years of band, and three years of marching band, I couldn’t be more proud,” she said.
Several seniors said that this marching competition was a great way to end their last time marching for NPHS. Senior Colin Thimes said it was shocking how fast the year came to an end. “All year, the whole band has been preparing for this one event, and it just arrived, happened, and was over so fast,” he said.
Senior Chet Brown said working so closely made them comfortable with each other, like a family. “If we made a mistake, we knew it wasn’t going to be a big deal as long as we fixed our mistake,” he said. “Preparing for this was definitely a lot of work, from the 7 a.m. practices to the bitter cold games; Everything helped us.”
Brown said although they didn’t got the top score, they feel proud of their work. Bradley agrees, “I am very, proud. They definitely deserved a superior,” he said.
Phoenix VanCura, class of 2018. I was the online Editor for the NP Bulldogger, I used to manage all the social media accounts. I enjoy hanging out with...
Kaitlyn Baker • Nov 10, 2015 at 11:36 AM
I enjoy these stories because band is not really a normal topic that is put in a newspaper and considering that I am part of the band I like to hear about the competitions that I am not able to attend myself. I think Bradley is right when he says the small things can make it or break it, these competitions are crazy strict with that stuff.
Brianna Taylor • Nov 10, 2015 at 11:32 AM
On the article Striving for Superior, It caught my eye because I am in band and I have marched with the varsity. I also personally watched them march in past competitions. One thing I do know is that they are amazing at what they do, sure they can mess up on occasion but other than that they are great. It baffles me that they didn’t get that perfect 75, but they tried their best and they got a 74.65. They were so close but so far to their goal, yet to them they are superior and that’s what matters most.