By Mary Shinn
Herald Staff Writer
More and more students are falling into step with the Durango High School Red Pride Marching Band as the program continues to grow.
Four years ago, director of instrumental music Katharine Reed, started with about 20 members, and the band now boosts about 70 students.
The quality also is improving. This season marked the second year in row the band qualified for state. The band placed second at the Western Slope Regionals and ninth at State Marching Championships on Oct 27.
“They definitely rose up to the expectations,” Reed said.
The band performed a Western theme written specifically to highlight the best musicians.
Band member Ashley Warren said she was pleased with the performance at state, especially because the introduction to the show was changed two days before state competition.
She also said the original arrangement really highlighted the most talented players.
“How they play together is just remarkable,” said Warren, who is a sophomore saxophonist.
Reed said she has focused on creating a competitive fun atmosphere to help build the band.
Her experience building a program before in Iowa has helped. She started with 65 students and ended with 150.
“I knew the nuts and bolts that comes with rebuilding a program,” she said.
The marching band has one more big performance to go. It was selected among a handful of bands nationwide to perform at the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio Jan. 2.
The band will not be performing their field show again in Durango, but you catch the band at the Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 11.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
