In a remarkable display of talent and dedication, the Shadow Ridge High School Marching band has been honored with the Outstanding Music Award and they held the 3rd Annual Black Out for the Marching Season. The event attracted a large crowd of supporters, parents, and music enthusiasts, all eager to witness an evening filled with captivating performances.
The Black Out event, known for its emphasis on unity and spirit within the marching community, featured several performances from the high school band. The black out theme resonated throughout the stadium as bands showcased their skills under the enchanting glow of the lights and enthusiastic cheers of the audience.
Band director Zacharey Hartley says, “Our blackout is also an opportunity to celebrate our seniors and a great season. The idea behind it is that the ensemble decorates themselves and their instruments with things that glow and/or Flash. After the audience arrives, we perform our show in its entirety with the lights on, then the band performs their show with the stadium lights off, so their glowing and flashing is easier to see.”
Shadow Ridge’s Marching Band delivered an outstanding performance that captivated the judges and audience alike. Their intricate choreography, harmonious melodies, and synchronized formations earned them not only the Outstanding Music Award but also high praise from fellow competitors.
“Our student’s hard work, dedication, and being open to critique to improve were huge contributors to our success this year. Also, the reinforcement of our protocols and procedures helped as well.” Hartley says.
As the night progressed during the Black Out event, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and camaraderie. Parents and alumni reminisced about their own marching band experiences while cheering on the current generation of musicians.
In addition to celebrating Shadow Ridge’s achievements, the event fostered a sense of community among the schools involved, highlighting the importance of music education and the arts in young people’s lives.
Director Hartley says, “One of the highlights of my season was seeing the excitement of our group when they found out that they were selected to perform in finals in our Southern Nevada Championships. The ability for our group to go from extreme elation and excitement to preparing to compete again was awesome to see. The ability to change gears so quickly is very difficult, and really speaks to the group’s maturity.”
The success of the 3rd Annual Black Out for the Marching season not only showcased the incredible talent of local high school bands but also reinforced the power of music to unite and inspire communities. As Shadow Ridge High School celebrates its win, the marching band looks forward to a promising season ahead.
