Reed, Spanish Springs and Douglas top first Nevada Day Battle of the Bands

Hosting its first Battle of the Bands on Nevada Day was, in the words of one student, "awesome" and "intense."

Carson High School freshman and trumpeter Luke Remer said being the hosts turned up the intensity a bit.

The Carson Blue Thunder Marching Band was just performing as a host - they couldn't enter the competition, but Remer said that put more pressure on him.

"I felt that since it was our home turf, we had to do more," he said.

They performed "Chronometry" an original piece written just for marching bands, said first-year band director Jarod Sorum.

"It's a beautiful piece."

Each band was given eight minutes to strut their stuff, and in the end Reed High School in Sparks strutted off with the Governor's Grand Championship trophy thanks to their performance of "Vitruvian."

The first place award for Division 3A went to Douglas High School, which performed a rousing and soulful series of songs by the late Ray Charles.

"They played it the way it was meant to be played," said band director Bill Zabelsky.

Douglas musicians started out with "Georgia On My Mind," then went into "What You Say," "Hit the Road, Jack," and finished up with "I Can't Stop Loving You."

Band member John Gilkerson, a junior, said he loved the program.

"Douglas High School always chooses music that people love to listen to," he said. "However we turn out, I'm still really happy with everyone. Because everyone tries really hard."

The Spanish Springs High School Band won first place in the 5A Division with a performance of "Rhapsody in Blue." They also won for Outstanding Pit Crew and received the Marine Corps' Esprit de Corps Award.

"It was one of the best performances of the season," said band director Aldie Lopez.

The band put a lot of ballet-style and jazz dance moves into their routine, something Lopez said needs to be encouraged.

"We try to add moves that will accentuate the music," he said. "Sometimes people forget how physical it is."

Reed High School also was judged best in the parade in Division 4A, with Spanish Springs second and Douglas High School third.

Dayton High School took home the best for the 3A Division in the parade, with Pahrump Valley second and Spring Creek third.

The parade awards were handed out along with the Battle of the Band awards.

• Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or 881-7351.

Winners

Division 1A

1st - Spring Creek High School - 74.7 points

Division 4A

1st - Pahrump Valley High School - 77.85 points

Division 4 Open

1st - Reed High School - 87.65 points

Division 5A

1st - Spanish Springs High School - 85.35 points

Division 3A

1st - Douglas High School - 82.85 points

2nd - North Valleys High School - 81.1 points

3rd - Galena High School - 80.85 points.

• Participation and Excellence - Carson High School

• Outstanding Pit Crew - Spanish Springs High School.

• USMC Esprit de Corps Award - Spanish Springs High School

• USSBA Reno-Tahoe Regional Marching Band Governor's Grand Championship Trophy - Reed High School.