One of the smallest groups in its class with 118 members, the Jefferson City High School Jay Band brought home fourth place from its final marching band competition Saturday.
"We did way better than we thought," said Paul Hinman, director of bands.
The 39th Annual Greater St. Louis Marching Band Festival at the Edward Jones Dome is equivalent in competitive energy to a state championship, Hinman said.
"We came out ahead of groups that had been beating up on us all season," Hinman said.
Throughout the season, the band grew in confidence, poise, energy and an understanding of the performance responsibility for the 8 1/2-minute field show, Hinman said.
"Everything came together," Hinman said. "It was the best performance of the year without question.
"They did all the things we asked them to do and put together a great final performance."
Hinman's approach is a risk-reward philosophy.
The challenging show is designed to teach the students musicianship and how to be successful in life, Hinman said.
"We take more chances than our peers take," he said. "So it takes extra time to get to that professional level."
Their continued refinement of the show helped them rise from a low 60s score at their first competition to mid-80s this weekend, Hinman said.
"I think we were rewarded for the challenges we take," Hinman said.
Ending the marching season is bittersweet, as they will not perform the Asian-influenced "The Winds of Conflict" show again.
However, it's time for the music program to turn its attention to the Christmas concert, district and state band, jazz and pep band performances and community parades, Hinman said.
Throughout the season, the Jay Band performed well at four marching competitions and its percussion section took first-place at two drumline competitions, including the Mozingo Contest, where they have taken top honors 12 of the last 14 years.
"That's a ridiculous level of consistent achievement," Hinman praised.
Composer to visit
The District Concert Festival will be Nov. 6 in Camdenton with David Shaffer as guest conductor.
The Jefferson City High School Band, which will have 41 students participating in the honors bands, will receive a visit from Shaffer the morning of Nov. 5.
The Jay band played Shaffer's "Purple Heart" last year and will play his "New World Variations" at the upcoming December concert.