Following a long week of Homecoming activities, the DCHS Band traveled to Lebanon on Saturday to compete in the Blue Devil Marching Invitational. Attendance at the Lebanon contest has become a staple for the Fighting Tiger Band over the past few years.
After six taxing performances for the Homecoming activities on Friday, the band met at the band room on Saturday morning for another intensive rehearsal in preparation for the contest later that afternoon. Although this rehearsal was hot and mentally and physically exhausting, the band’s dedication and sacrifice proved to be worth the effort. The results of the contest showed it.
Field Commander, Dustin Estes, won not only the Medium Class award with a score of 94, but the score sheet reflected he had outscored all other field commanders in the entire contest, including both Large and Small Division bands. Dustin was recognized as the winner of this award for the 2nd consecutive year.
The Percussion Section outscored their competition in the Medium Class and brought home the First Place trophy. Their scores also reflected a tie for 3rd place in the Small Division.
The Color Guard placed 2nd in Class, trailing Chattanooga Central High School by only two points.
The DCHS Band brought home the first place trophy in the Medium Class by outscoring Kenwood High School, Glencliff, Stewart County, Chattanooga Central, and Hunters Lane.
The band also won the Sweepstakes award for the Small Division. The Small Division is comprised of the Small and Medium Classes combined. Eleven bands in all were in the Small Division. The Sweepstakes award is based on 50% band score, 25% percussion score, 20% color guard score, and 5% field commander score.
Directors, Kristin Reagh and Rebecca Purdue, and the entire staff referred to the performance as a “Goosebump Performance.” Mrs. Reagh said, “The kids were pumped when they went on the field. In addition to their responsibilities during Homecoming, they worked very hard to prepare for this contest. It was a long, hard week for them. I’m extremely proud of these students for sticking with it and giving what it takes.”
Next week the band travels to Vanderbilt University for the Vanderbilt Marching Invitational. To learn more about the band, its activities, and schedules, log onto www.DeKalbBand.com
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