Both the Wilmington and Blanchester High School Marching Bands got the chance to play at the historic Ohio Stadium at The Buckeye Invitational on Oct. 14.
The event, sponsored by the Ohio Music Education Association and hosted by the Ohio State University Marching Band, gave bands across the state the opportunity to not only play in the stadium, but to meet members of the band and get feedback from an Ohio State professor.
Wilmington received a Superior rating for the performance of their show “Synergy.” Blanchester received an Excellent rating for their performance of their show “Now.”
Wilmington’s band director Matt Spradlin and Blanchester’s David Wood recalled the experience as amazing, with the band members really enjoying it.
Both groups got feedback from an OSU music professor in the band center. Both directors recalled Prof. Michael Smith being very impressed with their respective shows.
“(Smith) said he was really appreciative of all the details that we’re working on and he gave them the advice to keep in the back of their minds what judges are looking for as they’re performing,” said Spradlin.
Both directors will take their tips to heart as they prepare for their upcoming competitions and performances.
Both perform at the Forest Hills Band Expo at Turpin High School this Saturday, Oct. 21. Wilmington’s main focus in practice is getting ready to perform at the State Finals on Nov. 5 at the University of Dayton’s Welcome Stadium.
