From April 8 to April 12, the OHS band traveled to Colorado to compete in the Heritage Music Festival.

The trip included many sightseeing events: Garden of the Gods, the Olympic Training Center, Cave of the Winds, and finally Pike’s Peak. According to assistant band director Theron Perkowski, the experience was “inspiring”.

“I didn’t travel much when I was in high school, so it’s incredible to see the opportunity these kids have to be exposed to new places, new people, and new music.” said Perkowski.

The band was able to attend a clinic by the Air Force Academy Band, one clinician was Lt. Colonel Carl Chevallard, a published author of Teaching Music Through Performing Marches, a popular music book.

“It was nice to work with these professional musicians.” said head director Vance Brakefield.

Both the OHS Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony won a gold rating in the concert competition, Wind Symphony taking first place and Symphonic Band taking second. Wind Symphony won the Sweepstakes Award, given to the group with the highest score out of the top division groups, the Adjudicator Award, given to the groups with an average score of 92/100 or higher, and the Outstanding Band Award. Wind Symphony piccolo player Amber Hupperts (11) won a Maestro Award for the concert competition, which is given to individual musicians who show extraordinary musical ability and sensitivity.

“It was quite a surreal experience,” said Hupperts, “It felt like all my hard work paid off.”.

OHS Jazz I received a silver rating for their performance, Jazz II receiving a bronze. Tenor Sax player Jake Veninga (12) won a Maestro Award for his solo in the Jazz I performance.

“It was literally a dream come true,” said Veninga, “I count myself lucky to represent our band in this way.”.

The band was invited to the Festival Of Gold competition, which takes place in Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. However, the band is unsure of where their next trip will be located.