Russell band scores high in state competition
Oct. 31—RUSSELL — A local band displayed its mastery of music and marching during competition last weekend.
With 59 members, the Russell High School Marching Band finished fourth in the state Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) Marching Band Finals in Bowling Green, just the third time in 30 years the band made it to state finals.
"Marching band 'playoffs' are like a round-robin tournament and they select the best 12 — then the top six go to the finals," Band Director Levi Dalton said. "Russell was sixth place in the semifinals, but jumped to fourth in the finals. ... It's normal to move up and down, but to gain two spots is kind of special. It's not never done, but it's unusual."
Dalton explained how bands are judged:
"There are six judges and each one judges on different things.
"Music Ensemble judges on how well the music is played. Music Individual judges are walking around seeing how, and if, everyone is playing. Music General is the ranking of the overall product.
"Visual Ensemble is how you march and dance and move and how the color guard work together. Visual Individual is checking out each performer and Visual General Effect is how the show complements the music and how effective it is and how well-designed."
Dalton was the assistant director of the band for six years prior to taking over. He said attitude is the key to the band's performance.
"I kind of preached that it comes down to how you approach your rehearsal and how you practice," he said. "I was just being honest. I didn't give them any false hope, but I wasn't a defeatist, either."
Students range in age from a seventh-graders (who is the sound engineer) to seniors.
The show, titled "Drive," makes use of racetrack imagery with props that resemble large trophies and a round stage reminiscent of a tire. Custom uniforms include checkered prints.
The music covers a wide variety — from Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich's "Symphony No. 10 movement 2" to the theme from "Gran Torino" to "Shut Up and Drive" by Rihanna to Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now."
Dalton said the fact that the band has placed so high only a couple of times in the past took the pressure off.
"We had nothing to lose," he said. "They had so much fun. You could see them smiling more than usual. They looked confident. It was pretty special."
The season of competition isn't over yet.
The band will go to an unrelated event this weekend. The Grand Nationals will be at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Russell will compete with bands from around the country, most from the Midwest and Texas.
"This was a big accomplishment and I'm really proud of them," Dalton said. "I told them, usually when you have a transition of leadership, things can take a nosedive, but they didn't allow it."
(606) 326-2661 — lward@dailyindependent.com
