Marching Band Ends Season With Third at MSBA, Superior at OMEA

The Marching Band season ended on a high note this weekend as the Marching Eagles took third at the MSBA and scored a superior rating at OMEA.

Saturday, the Mid-States Band Association AAA competition was one of the Marching Eagles' top performances, as they finished second in the preliminary round, scoring a 79.5, and then did even better in the finals, scoring an 81.75 to finish third overall at West Clermont.

“It was a great run,” band director Jacob Page said. “We scored second in music in the finals and the color guard was first in the prelims and the finals.”

“We really did amazing this year, especially considering that 50 percent of our band is made up of freshmen and eighth graders,” Page said.

There are 10 seniors and six juniors in this year’s marching band of 75.

“We told the kids, these aren’t small wins. These aren’t tiny steps; these are huge, big wins,” Page said.

Sunday at Piqua, during the Ohio Music Education Association state finals, the band achieved a Superior rating, meaning it got the top score in each of the categories that are considered.

Page said Bellbrook was one of just five bands in the competition to achieve the rating.

“It was a big one; it was the first time we have gone since 1993,” Page said. “I felt like it was a big opportunity for the kids.”

Page said by scoring a superior at state, Bellbrook is entered into a lottery to play in the Horseshoe next season.

“I think it was a positive season for us,” Page said. “I think the culture of the organization improved; the kids really wanted to be with each other. The kids were able to be kids a lot of the time.”