Dawn, Day, Dusk: The pride is back


The Pinto Pride Band is galloping away on their 2022-23 marching show, "Dawn, Day, Dusk." 

This year's show features original music written specifically for the Pride Band. When asked how this all came together, Jacob Small, the director of the Pinto Pride Band said, "We have goals of transitioning the program into a competitive band that provides our community with an exciting show during football games while also competing with other bands across the state. Our show music, for this year, was written by a talented professional colleague and good friend of mine, a fellow band director in southern Missouri. It was important to the band that our music be composed by a Missourian."

Throughout his two years at California, Small has grown the band program at the high and middle schools, increased the quality of performances, and most importantly brought a sense of pride and excitement back to the program and community.

"We are excited to be a small part of the great culture California has to offer," Small said. "This town has always been a strong supporter of the fine arts and the students, and we are thrilled that we are able to give back to the community that has done so much for us. Coming into this position, there was a lot of work that needed to be done, but the students have exceeded every expectation placed on them and have really grown into their own. Without their dedicated effort and the work of our amazing Friends of Music and band parents we could not achieve the things we have."

Looking to the future, the Pinto Pride Band has some lofty goals but Small seems to think they are attainable.

"We are always looking toward the future and seeing where this program can go," Small said. "If we keep growing at our current pace, we are on track to have 75-100 students in five years. We are also looking to increase our competitive nature and rival the top programs in the area. Finally, to support our goals and member increase, we are looking to increase all resources related to the program. So far, our school district and band parents have done an amazing job supplying the program with any of our needs (food, fundraising, etc) and I have no doubt they will continue to do so. We are all excited to see where this program goes and see the love and support provided by this amazing community."

Small said he is thankful for the support the Pinto Pride band receives.

"The students and I are truly grateful for all the support we have received from the district, community, and parents," Small said. "We know that none of this would be possible without each of these groups. We ask for continued support as we grow to our full potential."

If you are interested in watching a performance of the Pinto Pride Band, the upcoming performances are: a football game on Sept. 16, the Ozark Ham & Turkey Festival on Sept. 17, Homecoming on Sept. 23 and Carrollton Band Day on Sept. 24.