The Baldwin High School Band of the Braves were named runners-up Oct. 4 at the Hurricane Classic at Monroe Area High School.
“This was our first time competing this season. We performed at the Oconee Classic hosted at our school on Sept. 27 as the exhibition band, but we did not compete,” said Director of Bands James McMillan.
At the Hurricane Classic, the Band of the Braves received the Color Guard Superior, Drum Major Superior, Percussion Superior, and Overall Band Superior ratings. It also earned second place in color guard, first place in drum major, first place in percussion, and first place as overall band.
“Our overall placements were first place in drum major, third place in percussion, and runner-up grand champion,” said McMillan. “We have had a lot of weather setbacks this season that have been outside of our control, which put us a little behind our normal schedule. With that being said I am very happy with our progress this season and all that we have been able to accomplish with a very difficult show.” According to McMillan their show consisted of five feature soloists, which included four seniors, and a unique use of a digital sax.
“I have never seen a digital sax used in a halftime show, so it is new territory,” said McMillan. “We have had a great crowd reception this year and got a lot of great feedback at the Oconee Classic and the Hurricane Classic from some of the best band judges in the state that we plan to fix and carry into the Yellow Jacket Classic.”
The Yellow Jacket Classic took place Saturday, Oct. 18 at Rockmart High School. As of the newspaper’s deadline, McMillan had yet to announce the results of the competition.
“In the competitive band season, which only lasts four to five weeks, our goal is to always get better and make improvements all the way up to our last competition,” said McMillan. “Our last competition is the East Georgia Marching Band Championship at Statesboro High School on Saturday, Oct. 25 and we are looking forward to it.”