by Rosie Nicholson
The marvelous Marching Scotties have had yet another FANTASTIC season! The show this year was entitled “Achieve Your Dreams”. This show was a dedication to band alumni members from years past. At the beginning of the season, they collected over 250 pictures of alumni members achieving their dreams. There were doctors, nurses, military men and women, past and current members of THE Ohio State Marching Band, families that had adopted children, and so on. The photos were printed on banners and proudly displayed over 6 large props on the field. Throughout the show quotes were heard, spoken by a variety of alumni members and drill instructor Karen Hand. In the final part of the show, you hear “Go. Now. Achieve Your Dreams” by their very own band director Ms. Blevins!
The students began working on the show this past July during band camp. Students, staff, and volunteers put in countless hours to make this season the best it could be. From painting the field, and learning drill and music, to building and assembling props, the band was determined to make this an impactful show. They did, just that.
On September 23, the band made the trip to Zanesville for the Bonanza of Bands for their first OMEA Competition of the season. When it was time for awards, they went home with “outstanding auxiliary in Class A, 2nd place in Class A, and qualified for OMEA State Finals for the 41st Consecutive year! The band knew the work wasn’t done. There were 4 contests left to make adjustments to their show before the state finals. They continued to compete at Marietta, Canal Winchester, and Licking Valley, as well as hosting their 35th annual Tri-Valley Classic! At Marietta, Canal Winchester, and Licking Valley they continued to grow their success, where awards included: outstanding percussion in class A, 3 – 1st Place in Class A, 2 – Reserve Grand Champions, 2 – 1st place auxiliary, 2nd place percussion in class A, 1st place percussion in Class A, 2 – overall auxiliary for the contest, overall general effect, and qualified for state finals each time out!
The 35th annual Tri-Valley Classic was held on October 21st. The TVHS Marching Band hosted 15 bands from across the State. Buses filled with eager students; trucks, and semi-trailers carrying band equipment could be seen entering Dresden throughout the day. Bands showed up ready to perform, many of them being their last shot to qualify for state finals. When it came time for awards, students from the TVHS Marching Band lined up with trophies ready to distribute to the deserving bands. The real magic happened when it came time to announce those who had qualified for the State Finals. Philo High School, Maysville High School, and River View High School are among those qualifying for state finals. However, tears and a standing ovation came when Crooksville High School was called. For the first time in the history of their school, their marching band had qualified for state finals. Members of the TVHS marching band could be seen rushing to the Crooksville field commander to exchange handshakes and hugs. Crooksville had achieved their dream! After the excitement settled it was announced that the Tri-Valley High School marching band had also qualified for state finals once again at their home stadium! Members of the band jumped and screamed as the seniors ran to ring the victory bell. Moments later a circle formed in the middle of the field as the members joined hand in hand to sing their alma mater! The night was one that will be remembered for years to come!
Before they knew it, the week of state finals was upon them. With only 2 practices and a football game left, the members of the band had limited time to make any adjustments necessary to their show. They had poured lots of sweat and tears into their show all season; they had listened to the judge’s comments from each competition and used those to improve their show to the best of their ability. Then came October 28th, the day of state finals. The band showed up early to get one last run-through in. Before loading equipment, the band was given one final surprise. 80+ band members filled the cafetorium and were presented with a video. The video was filled with good luck messages from band alumni, community members, and special guests including Congressman Troy Balderson and Country Music superstar Garth Brooks! By the end of the video, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. The students and staff were moved to tears by the messages given by these people. Alumni who had been in their shoes, community members showing support, and complete strangers who were moved by the impact of their show.
Tears were dried, lunches were grabbed, and the band was on their way to Hilliard Bradley to give it their all one last time! Spectators lined 9th street and cheered for the band as the Frazeysburg and Dresden Police Department and Dresden Fire Department escorted the band out of town, giving them a spectacular send-off! When they arrived, the students worked quickly to get props assembled and get into uniform. Then it was off to warm up! At 5:30 pm the band took the field for OMEA State Finals and gave a moving performance. Back at the buses the members took everything apart and loaded it up before heading back to the awards. A mixture of smiles and tears spread about the band. Some felt amazing about the performance, while others felt they made big mistakes and were upset with themselves. Students were seen giving each other pep talks and telling each other it would be okay, and that they were proud of each other. 7 p.m. rolled around and it was time for awards. Tri-Valley was up first. “Tri-Valley High School, competing in Class A with 87 members, your overall rating is…ONE”. Cheers filled the stands from students, staff, parents, and alumni in attendance! They had done it! Not only did they receive an overall Superior rating at State Finals, but they also received Straight 1’s in all categories!
Back in Dresden, parents, alumni, and community members gathered main street awaiting the arrival of the band! At 9:45pm red and blue lights could be seen in the distance, along with the ringing of sirens. The Dresden Police and Fire Departments were proudly escorting the Pride of Tri-Valley home! Cheers filled the streets! The TVHS Marching Scotties had successfully ACHIEVED THEIR DREAMS!!
