Po-Hi Band earns high marks at state contest

The Po-Hi Band earned a 1, or superior, in sight reading and a 2, or excellent, in concert competition at the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association State Concert and Sight Reading Contest held recently at Jenks High School.

Po-Hi Director of Bands David Christy said the three judges in the sight reading room gave students a 1, 1, and 2 for a composite superior rating.

On stage, students earned a 1, 2, and 2 from the three judges, for a composite excellent rating.

Combined with the 1 rating at the OSSAA Regional Marching Contest last fall, it means the band was one rating away and one judge away from the coveted OSSAA Sweepstakes Award, last earned by the Po-Hi Band in 2004.

Nevertheless, the contest ratings for the band this year have been the highest in almost 15 years.

Christy expressed his appreciation to Andrew Orr, Keith Crocker, parents and the Instrumental Music Parents Association.

“The students performed with energy, passion, and enthusiasm that one rarely sees from a high school ensemble,” Christy said. “They prepared and polished incredibly well, and it was reflected in their performance. I will not criticize the judging, but suffice it to say, it just might be the most exciting performance I have conducted in my 40-year teaching career. Most importantly, the students know they knocked it out of the park.”

The Spring Concert for the band will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, at West Middle School. The community is invited.