Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Band comes away with all firsts for marching competitions

Band directors report that Gurdon High School received first divisions in all categories throughout the judging of four marching contests in October and in contests held earlier this year.

Allen Wimberly, band director, with his co-director, Bruce Burson, agreed that this is unusual "and getting all ones is the best we've ever done."

Wimberly said winning the superior ratings in everything was a thrill.

"We've always had a good band, but this is definitely the best," he said.

Burson said he is looking forward to the playing contests in the spring "and hoping we get all firsts there as well."

"Usually, there is some section with a two, but not this year. I think everyone was impressed at what our students did."

The four contests this October, where all these superior ratings were obtained, included: Jessieville on Oct. 12, Little Rock Showcase of Bands on Oct. 16, the Arkansas Small School Championship in BeeBe on Oct. 19, and the Region III Arkansas School Band and Orchestra Association contest at Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs on Oct. 26.

Wimberly said of Jessieville, "This contest did not give outstanding band awards, only Outstanding Majorette and Color Guard. All areas of the band earned a first division, with the areas being: majorette, color guard, drum major, percussion and band. Christian Hopson won outstanding majorette."

Then it was onto Little Rock's Showcase of Bands contest at War Memorial Stadium. Drum major, percussion, color guard and band all earned a first division. Gurdon also earned an outstanding drum major, best marching, most musical performance and best in class. GHS was in a competition class with: Glen Rose, Foreman, Fouke, Bearden, Waldron, Bismark and a 106-member band from Fountain Lake.

Three days later, GHS band went to the Arkansas Small School Championship in Beebe. Majorette, color guard, drum major, percussion and band all earned a first division. Gurdon also earned a champion majorette, rifle line, percussion, brass, woodwind, soloist, Brandon Smith, and championship band. Gov. Mike Huckabee handed over the Governor's Trophy award for the third time to Gurdon High School.

The final scene for marching was the Region III Arkansas School Band and Orchestra Association contest at Lake Hamilton just this past week This contest is the hardest to get a first division of all; you must have a 95 percent accuracy. There are no extra awards for this contest, just one award given to the entire ensemble. GHS band scored a first division in the eyes of all three judges.

Burson said, "After getting a first in every category this year in marching, I would like to see the band do the same in the spring when we start going to the playing contests."

Wimberly said the band consists of 29 musicians, grades 9-12. He called them a band from a little town with a big town sound.