Band earns I in sight reading

The Ragin’Red Band earned a Division II rating in concert and a Division I in sight reading on Tuesday, narrowly missing a third consecutive Sweepstakes Award.

“The kids played well, but we were after the big schools this year instead of playing before them, which may have made a little difference,” director William Vaughan said. “We also played a very challenging program this year, and I think the judges were a little picky.”

The director said that the band received Division II rating from each of the three judges in concert, and a Division I rating from each of the judges for sight reading.

“ItoldthekidsIwouldrather take a risk with challenging music so we can improve as a group rather than playing it safe,” he said. “This band has really gotten better with more difficult music, which will benefit us more down the road.”

The band earned a Division I at the marching contest last fall, and earning two more Division I ratings in concert and sight reading would have resulted in earning a third consecutive Sweepstakes Award.

The band won its first sweepstakes in 40 years in 2022, which was only the third time in school history. The first sweepstakes was in 1962, followed by the second in 1982.

The high school band, which includes students in grades eight through 12, played three concert selections: Marche Diabolique by Balmades, Dance from Simple Gifts by Ticheli, andBraveSpiritbyStandridge.

The high school band’s final performance of the year will be a spring concert on May 16 in the auditorium.