Clovis band takes fifth in contest

MIDLAND, Texas - The Clovis High School band was fifth in preliminaries at Saturday's Bands of America regional, and finished fifth in the finals.

Sounds consistent, but CHS Band Director Bill Allred said that was not the case.

Clovis was the only non-Texas school to finish in the top 10 of the regional, won easily by Vista Ridge.

Allred said there were some concerns after the preliminary round "wasn't a great run," whether it was nerves or intimidation at the large-band competition.

"Finals, I couldn't be more proud of a bunch of kids. They got out there and competed. They went up a full three points from prelims to finals. The judges recognized the improvement."

A three-point jump in a performance, in band terms, is noticeable - a 30-point jump from one football game to the next, if Allred had to estimate it. While Vista Ridge (87.1 points) led the field by more than three points, less than three points separated the next five finishers.

Vista Ridge took awards for best music, best visual effect and the general excellence award.

"They're one of those phenomenal programs we aspire to become," Allred said. "They were terrific. It was good for our kids to hear them. It was good education for the kids."

The Clovis band has two more competitions this season - another BOA regional in early November at St. George, Utah, and this weekend's Zia Marching Festival in Albuquerque.

Clovis has won the grand champion award the last seven years at Zia, generally recognized as the state marching band championship. The feeling heading in is part confidence, part cautious optimism.

"They're rehearsing great, they have a great attitude," Allred said. "I feel they're going to do their best and perform great. They'll represent Clovis well. Results? There's no way of telling how things will go."