Jay Band bound for Atlanta

After last weekend's competition in St. Louis, members of Jefferson City High School's marching band practice this week in preparation for this weekend's regional competition in Atlanta.
After last weekend's competition in St. Louis, members of Jefferson City High School's marching band practice this week in preparation for this weekend's regional competition in Atlanta.

This weekend, the Jefferson City Jay Band will be in its final marching competition in Atlanta, coming on the heels of a successful showing at a super regional competition in St. Louis this past weekend.

Brett Myers, director of bands, said the two-day event had 65 bands from 15 states.

"We came in 27th overall, but out of the 25 bands from Missouri, we came in sixth. And we scored higher than we did last year," he said. "We got our first divisional one rating in 12 years. The last three years we got a two rating so we've been knocking on the door."

Myers said the Jays finished higher than bands from Camdenton and Lindberg, schools known for strong band programs.

"The education and critiques our kids get at competitions like the one in St. Louis can't be beat because these judges are at a national level and know the marching arts very well," Myers said.

There will be 40 bands competing in Atlanta.

"We have 173 members, and that's the highest in the five years I've been here," Myers said. "We've got a lot of support and enthusiasm."

In the future, Myers said they are looking at performing at events like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and Rose Bowl Parade.

"The Rose Parade is tough to get into because there are so many good bands across the country," he said. "Band is way more competitive than 40 years ago. I think we'll try Macy's first. Having a big band helps you get into the bigger festivals and parades."

Myers invites the public to Adkins Stadium from 6-9 p.m. Thursday for the final full rehearsal of the band for its Atlanta competition. The show is called "In the Rain."