MCHS Band History

The Early Years: A History by Brian D. Mangan, Class of 2008

A Brief History by Mr. Ralph A. Vavak

The Montezuma-Cortez High School Band, first established in 1950 of a mere 23 members quickly grew to a membership of 80 outstanding young musicians who have since attracted attention both locally and throughout Colorado. Originally, marching bands incorporated a style that was a high step, lifting the knees when employing the running strut, the plume of the tall shako nearly touching the ground. Field shows consisted of military maneuvers, such as company fronts, counter marches, and pageantry which created stationery figures. However, over the years, marching styles evolved first with the complex corps style taking center stage. High stepping was replaced by a more military stride. Drum major whistles and batons were no longer used once voice commands and a concert approach to conducting came into use. Majorettes were replaced by a larger contingent, the color guard/flag team of 10 to 20 girls utilizing flags, rifles and other props to fit the theme of the show or street drill. Field shows that were designed and plotted by the director gave way to the service of professionals. The present level of marching sophistication incorportates music that is tailored to the specific instrumentation and strengths of the group accompanied by a professionally choreographed color guard.

Achievements

The Colorado Bandmaster Association (CBA) organizes marching band competitions into Regional and State Championships around the state; with M-CHS Band competing for our region in Delta. The top three bands in each class go on to State Finals in Denver. The M-CHS “Marching Panthers” began an award-winning streak at the Regional and State levels that from 1981 to the present has been unequaled in their class. Ranking in the Finals every year and taking first in 1082, 1983, 1992, 1997, and 2005, the Marching Panthers are the band to beat! For many years the Marching Panthers competed in a division higher than the size of the school would dictate, for the benefit of playing more difficult music at a higher level of competition. The Marching Panthers have won both the Colorado West Marching Festival in their class and district festivals in the class for the past 26 years. In 2004, they placed 1st in their class at the ZIA Marching Festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In 2005, they placed 1st in their class at the BOA Regional Competition in Flagstaff, Arizona. In the same year, they place 5th at the BOA Nataional Competition in Indianapolis, Indiana. Symphonic Winds have received Superior or Excellent ratings at all festivals attended since 1980, including CSHAA and CBA events. Jazz Band has received Superior Excellent ratings at all festivals attended since 1980. Both bands play advanced literature and are a vital part of the band program.

Philosophy

The remoteness from metropolitan areas has prompted M-CHS to adopt a philosophy which holds that exposing the band to events outside the local area is a vital part of the band members’ overall education. Combining music events with side trips to places of historical and educational significance has served to enhance the band program. Among numerous smaller excursions have been longer ones including those to Mexico City and Europe. The Marching Panthers have played in Washington D.C. for the Fourth of July Parade, the Bands of America Nationals in Indianapolis, and for the World War II Memorial Dedication and Parade in Washington D.C.

Scope

Currently, the band program offers classes in Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Marching Band, Color Guard, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, Beginning Percussion, and Music Theory/Composition.

Band Boosters

A key factor in the success of the M-CHS Band Program over the decades has been the support of the Band Boosters organization. Without the boosters’ fund-raising efforts (concessions, raffles, silent auctions) the band would be a “stay-at-home” organization. Band boosters have also remained dedicated to the sponsorship of band competitions and band camp, the planning and preparation of meals for the students during competitions and camp, the cleaning and maintenance of band uniforms, as well as public relations and general support for the band directors and the band as a unit. In 2005, the Band Booster organization became a 501 (c)(3) organization to better meet the increasing demands of a high-quality program.

Community Support

In addition to the greatly appreciated support of the Montezuma Cortez School District, the M-CHS Band has been extremely fortunate in its continued support from the Cortez community as a whole. The City of Cortez, Empire Electric, Wal Mart, and Neilsons have given generous donations. Local businesses have contributed to auctions and raffles or have purchased advertising on band equipment trailers. City Market CARES Program provides a percentage kick-back for the band through shoppers’ value cards. At the close of each marching season, the Marching Panthers present a community appreciation performance complete with refreshments at the CMS Football Stadium.