Oakville’s Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band made history earlier this week when they went to Lindbergh High School to compete at the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) band contest on Feb. 28.

Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band both earned the best possible ratings, an exemplary one rating. All the judges gave Wind Symphony exemplary ratings in every single category. Symphonic Band also accomplished a major feat; this is the first time the group has earned an exemplary rating at the Lindbergh MSHSSA band contest.

“I am proud,” band director Vance Brakefield said. “I think there are always things to do to improve on. We made a big push for MMEA and then this was something we had to do, it wasn’t a focus– it wasn’t a goal of ours. It (the rating) was expected.”

The bands have been rehearsing this music all school year to prepare for their competitions and performances throughout second semester. Wind Symphony performed “Strategic Air Command” and “Pageant” while Symphonic Band performed “Queen City” and The Witch and the Saint.

Along with playing the music that the bands have been practicing, they were also required to “sight read.” Sight reading is when a band plays through a piece of music that they have never seen before. The bands had six minutes to discuss the music with their band directors without playing anything, 30 seconds to tune, and then they had to play.

“We had practiced a harder piece during class so it was easier than what we’d expected,” Symphonic Band member Christina Meier (10) said.

The bands are looking forward to the Concert Band Festival at O’Fallon High School next Monday, March 6 and then their Washington DC trip at the end of the month.