Marching Pintos show well at regional competitions
The California High School Pinto Pride Marching Band recently competed at two regional band days and turned in solid performances at each. The CHS Band traveled to Carrollton Sept. 22, for the 42nd Annual Carrollton Band Day, one of the largest festivals in the state, where the Pintos were in the very tough Class 3 parade competition with a total of 10 schools. Scoring was close, with only 11 points separating the 10 bands in Class 3.
Band Director Jim Helmig said, "We performed well as a whole in the parade and improved greatly the previous week in our local Ham and Turkey Festival parade. With 10 bands, we knew we would have to perform our best. I'm very proud of our kids and their focus. It was a good day overall."
With over 79 bands competing in five classes, CHS Drum Major Brandon Embry felt the day was very productive. "We executed very well in our parade and our corner was the best we had performed it. We also watched some other bands and are excited about having a competition field show for next year. Our drum line saw other schools also, and wants to get that started for competition."
The CHS Band competed in the Class 3 Parade at Central Methodist University Band Day Saturday at Fayette. Braving chilly temperatures, the band turned in a solid performance. Once again, Class 3 consisted of a large number of schools, with very tough competition across the board. CHS band member and Percussionist Rachael Hoback said, "We really had to stay focused with the cold wind, but we did a good job."
The Pinto Pride Marching Band will perform its field show with the music of the 80's rock band "Journey" should the CHS varsity footballt team host a district playoff game later in the month. Additionally, the band's annual holiday/winter concert is coming up, at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18, at the CHS Performing Arts Center.