Tension ran high at Invesco Field at Mile High on Sunday as brass, woodwinds and percussion replaced a typical Sunday’s offense and defense.
High school bands from around the state came to compete, brought teens and their instruments to the field and families to fill the stands.
Organizers said the students were under too much stress to talk to a reporter, but it wasn’t for lack of a cheering section: More than 10,000 spectators came to watch.
“This is what the kids have been working toward all year,” said Justin Carpenter, assistant band director for Rampart High School marching band in Colorado Springs.
Rampart emerged as this year’s favorite to win the division 4A title, going up against its longtime division rival, Air Academy High School Kadet Band, also of Colorado Springs.
Eighteen bands in two divisions competed in the semifinal and final events of the state’s 26th annual Marching Band Championships.
“It’s a huge deal,” Carpenter said, as band members nervously warmed up in the stadium parking lot before their semifinal performance.
The bands were judged by a seven-person panel, and evaluated for music, marching and overall presence. Each group had 15 minutes to perform.
This year’s top pick for the division 5A crown was once again Aurora’s Pomona High School Band, which has won the past 10 of 11 championship titles.
“The kids take this very seriously,” said event chair C. Wayne Manzanares. “It is the most important, exciting and competitive event all year.”
Staff writer Amy Brouillette can be reached at 303-820-1201 or at abrouillette@denverpost.com
