Last Saturday the Cedar Springs High School Marching Band performed at Ford Field in Detroit for the State Finals of the Michigan Competing Band Association. This was the culminating event to a full season of competition. The many hours of hard work practicing and sacrificing to make this year’s show were rewarded with a great trip to the home of the Detroit Lions.
The band boarded buses early in the pre-dawn hours to head to Detroit. They were fed breakfast by the Music Boosters and were able to step off the buses into a beautiful fall morning next to Comerica Park. The students were led into Ford Field where they got to stand on the turf together for a few moments of shock and awe. Mr. Borst, their director, gave them a pep talk before they filed out to prepare for the performance.
The students warmed up near their buses and walked in unison to the field. They were able to warm up before heading through the tunnel to the playing surface. They performed their show, Chasing Shadows, at 10:55 a.m. In the crowd were proud parents and grandparents, siblings and community members, including Mr. Behrenwald, their principal and his daughter. The band gave it their all and did an outstanding job.
The students had their picture taken together before sitting in the stands to await their awards. Field commanders Abigail Traxler, Emily Marckini and Christopher Blair accepted their award. Their final score was 74.65. This gave the band ninth place in their flight. After the awards presentation the students boarded their buses and were able to enjoy lunch on their ride home.
When the buses arrived back in Cedar Springs, the Cedar Springs Fire Department met them at the off ramp with two engines and the rescue squad. The small parade, including the new band trailer and some of the support crew proceeded down Muskegon Street to the High School. Many citizens greeted them with cheers and applause.
The Cedar Springs High School Marching Band had a great season! The finals in Detroit were a wonderful conclusion to their first season in MCBA competition. We look forward to concert season and then next year. Great job marching band students!
