The Orange High School Symphonic and Wind Ensemble bands went to Asheboro High School Thursday, March 21 to participate in a statewide competition. After playing 30 minutes in front of judges, the band got a ranking of a low 2, 1 being the highest score that any band could receive.
Some of the songs the bands performed included “Incantation on Dance,” “Black Horse Troop,” and “Variations on America.”
After playing in front of the judges, the bands then went to a different room and were judged on their ability to sight read.
The band students left on their field trip during fourth period, during which time they piled onto the charter bus. Junior Thomas Rush said he was excited about riding in a charter bus, but he didn’t know why the band rode in one. On the bus, students were able to do homework or talk among themselves. After the hour-long ride, the bus had transmission problems, and was unable to take the students directly to the high school. Luckily, Rush said, the bus company headquarters was only about 20 minutes away, and they sent another bus over as soon as possible. Once on a different bus, the bands finally reached Asheboro High School, home of the Blue Comets. As it wasn’t an open competition, the Panthers were unable to hear anyone else perform. When it was their turn, they took the stage and performed for 30 minutes in front of judges who judged them on their ability to play the songs well. After that, they sight read a piece not for performance, and then got back on the bus and returned to OHS around 9 pm.
This annual competition went “pretty good,” Rush said. “[Andy] Carter said we got a high 2, almost a 1.”
On the Orange High School Band Facebook page, Carter wrote, “Thank you Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band for making great music today. Job well done - I continue to be proud of you. It's a pleasure to watch you grow as musicians and young adults!
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