Published: October 08, 2009 07:31 am      

WHS band off to strong start

The Woodward High School Band is looking to build on its early success in marching competitions.

The band has represented the area well so far, and is preparing for their next two contests. On Saturday they will perform at the Cleveland Invitational Band Contest.

Band Director David Mudd said, “They will perform their half-time show, and do field marching rather than parade marching.”

On Oct. 14, the band will travel to Alva and compete at the Regional Marching Contest at Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

The band, composed of 61 students, has competed twice so far.

“They performed at the Henryetta Labor Day parade and got 2nd place and earned a $1,000 award. At the Oklahoma State Fair parade, they were the class 4A champions,” Mudd said.

“Every year the students get better fundamentally and it’s a much stronger group this year," he said. "They have a great attitude and they feel like they can win. This group has a lot more confidence.”

Red Carpet Honor Band auditions will be held Nov. 21 for seventh through twelfth graders. Tenth through twelfth graders will have the opportunity to try out for All-State Band.

“All-State is the best of the best from the entire state,” Mudd said, adding, “I think there are a handful of kids that have a good shot. They are working a lot harder this year.”

Mudd said that the band keeps busy all year. In the spring they will perform sit-down concerts, and during basketball season, the pep-band will perform at four home games.

“Music makes the kids smarter and gives them a common goal that’s larger than themselves. They develop teamwork and a sense of counting on each other. It gives them self worth and mutual self respect for one another,” Mudd said.