The Brookings High School Wind Band put on perhaps its best performance of the year at the Youth in Music Marching Band Championships on October 12th. The event, held at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, is one of the largest and most prestigious. In the area. The BHS Marching Band wowed the audience and judges alike with its performance.
Competing in the highly competitive Class AA, known for close and challenging competition, the band secured a third place finish at the 2024 field show “Writings on the Wall.” The show tells a story of division, conflict, and a desire for change. Through music and movement, performers explore themes of struggle and resilience.
Under the direction of band director Isaac McMahon, the band showcased their hard work and dedication through a dynamic presentation that skillfully blended musical and visual elements. This theme takes audiences on a journey, telling a story of resilience and hope through powerful songs and vibrant choreography.
“This year’s Youth in Music performance was the culmination of countless hours of practice and deep dedication from all of our band members,” said McMahon. “I am very proud of what our students accomplished. Competing in Class AA is difficult, but their hard work and talent went unnoticed.”
This competition was the last time on the field for the band’s 24 senior members, who have spent a lot of time building the band into what it is today. Their leadership and passion left an indelible mark on the ensemble, and they were determined to make their final performance a memorable one.
“We all left the field satisfied with our performance and how well we represented our band over the years,” said senior color guard member Melicia Oambo.
In addition to the impressive arrangement, the Brookings High School Wind Band was awarded the title of Wind Instrument Champion, a testament to the outstanding sound produced by the woodwind and brass sections. The judges praised their exceptional sound quality and ensemble balance, noting how these elements enhanced the overall performance.
“The wind section is no different from any other section and is committed to producing the highest quality sound possible. We are delighted that the judges recognized the quality of our sound and the high standards we aim for. I’m very proud of that,” said senior saxophonist Luca Kennedy.
The event, the last competitive performance of the season for many bands, featured dozens of bands from across four states eager to showcase their talents in front of a packed stadium. Energy was high as the audience cheered on their favorite groups as well as bands they had never seen perform before.
Family and friends of the BHS marching band filled the stands to show their support. Many expressed pride in the band’s accomplishments and emphasized that it is a reflection of the dedication of both the students and the music program. Brookings received a lot of applause, with many commenting that their show was an easy number one contender.
“The band works tirelessly and this recognition is well-deserved,” said BHS Band Booster President Kylie Kramer. “Their success is not simply the result of one season’s work; it is the result of years of practice and commitment to their art.”
This year’s band placement speaks for itself. The band placed in the top three in every competition they entered. “The passion and teamwork of the kids is hard to describe in words,” Kramer added. “I’m so proud of all 120 of us and our parents who show up every weekend and work behind the scenes.”
At the end of the day, the Brookings High School Wind Band celebrated their accomplishments and reflected on their season. After another successful run at the Youth in Music Marching Band Championships, the band is ready to carry this momentum into future endeavors and hope this group will create a lasting legacy for the Brookings High School marching band. There is no doubt that he left behind.
The band wrapped up its run with two indoor performances last Friday.
