Bands converge in Carson City for competition

Marching to the beat of their own drummers, high school bands competed Friday in the first Silver State Capital City Band Festival.

Competition rang in the crisp October air as nine bands trumpeted their best work.

"This is like our life right here," said Sheena Jones, 17, a flute player in Carson City's Blue Thunder Band. "If our parents can't find us at home, they find us in the band room. We're in our own little band world."

Carson City's band booster club organized the festival to bring bands to the capital for Nevada Day and for the parade.

"We're really pleased we got the turnout we did for the first year," said Danna Sturm, band booster who coordinated the competition. "It gives us a real sense of camaraderie."

Cheri Jackson left Ely at 5 a.m. with her two other children Andy, 13, and Chelsie, 8, to watch her 15-year-old son, Randy, play drums for the White Pine band.

"It's exciting and fun to watch him," he said.

She and the children planned to stay in Carson City on Friday night to watch Randy march in today's Nevada Day Parade.

Jackson was one of about 300 spectators to attend.

As host of the competition, the Blue Thunder Band did not compete, but students had a chance to toot their own horn during an exhibition performance.

They were able to compare their performance to the other schools.

"Reno is doing 'West Side Story' Ñ that's what we did last year," said Justin Culver, sophomore baritone player. "They're doing a good job with it."

And other students were impressed with the festival.

"It's well organized," said Jon Porter, a bass drum player from North Valleys High School in Reno. "Everything is back-to-back. You don't have to sit around and wait."

Carson Middle School band students Nathaniel Hamer and Keith Powers, both eighth-graders, used the festival as an opportunity to gauge what was in store for them next year.

"We like the music they play better than the music we play," said Keith, who plays the trombone.

"It's more exciting," said Nathaniel, who plays the French horn.

Governor's Trophy: Reed High School

Blue Division:

First: Douglas High School

Second: Reno High School

Third: North Valleys High School

Fourth: Sparks High School

Best Pit Crew: Reno High Schooles

Best Drum Major: Reno High School

Best Auxiliary: Douglas High School

Best Percussion: North Valleys High School

Best Brass: Reno High School

Best Woodwinds: North Valleys High School

Silver Division:

First: Reed High School

Second: White Pine High School