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Members of the award-winning Ray High School band. Nina Crowder | CBN
Copper Area News
The Ray High School Band headed to California on a recent trip for an adventure that would change their lives. The band received first place trophies for the Parade/Marching Band and Concert Band they also received an award for recording a clip from Disneyland called “In The Bag”
Luke Byrd said, “I felt like we spread joy through Disneyland, we would be talking and joking and other people would listen and laugh, it was contagious and spread throughout Disneyland.” Andrew Riley, Nick Lara and Luke Byrd all agreed that they made fantastic memories that will last them a lifetime.
The band played guitars on the bus and sang on the way. At times the entire bus was singing, it was a great start to the weekend. A group of four young men that shared a hotel room were laughing and sharing stories about talking in their sleep, playing x-box, eating pizza and just having fun. Once the students arrived in Disneyland they came to the realization that this experience was really happening.
On Friday the Band participated in the Concert division and Saturday on the Parade/Marching division. The judging was unique and not what the students were used to. The students didn’t even feel like they were in competition and didn’t see the other students compete. There were a total of 2,000 students from Arizona and California participating in the events. Andrew Riley said, “The way the competition judged really took the stress off of us.” Here in the valley when the Ray band competes they see the other bands and their size, you may even hear them warm up and the stress sets in. Mark Webber, Band Director said, “Judge me for what I have on the stage and who I have on the stage.”
Mark Webber was excited “for 19 kids marching and receiving an Excellent Award, First Place Award in their division is good!”
The Ray High School Band had such a fantastic experience it is difficult for someone who did not attend to put everything into words. They have bonded, some are even emotional about the seniors of the group leaving, but will always have this amazing experience filled with excitement and pride to carry with them through life!
The Ray High School Band will be holding a concert on May 7 at the Ray Auditorium. Take this opportunity to attend and listen to these talented and amazing youth! Congratulations to Mark Webber and his enthusiastic band group!
Nina Crowder is a resident of Mammoth. She volunteers in several local organizations. She covers events throughout the Copper Corridor and Superior Town and School governance.
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