By Amanda Saunders, BCN intern.
For the first time since 2016, the Richmond Hill High School Marching Wildcat Band won the Grand Champion title twice in one season.
On Sat. Oct. 16, the RHHS Marching Wildcat Band traveled to Valdosta for the Lowndes County Battle on the Border competition. Fourteen bands attended the competition, coming from high schools in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama, and the groups were split into classifications according to size. Awards for best Drum Major, Color Guard/Drill Team, Majorettes/Dance Line, and Percussion are presented to the most deserving bands in each classification. In the preliminaries, Richmond Hill was awarded Best Percussion, scored straight superiors, and placed first in their division and overall.
Richmond Hill High School was one of the eight highest-scoring bands in the preliminaries, so they moved on to the finals. The Marching Wildcat Band came in first place with a total score of 98.025 out of 100, victorious over 13 other bands.
On Saturday, Oct. 23, the Marching Wildcat Band traveled to South Effingham High School to compete.
Six bands competed, including the Marching Wildcats. Richmond Hill scored superior in all categories. They ranked First Place Band and Drum Majors in the 5A division, and Overall First Place for Drum Majors, Music, Visual, and General Effect.
Not only did they win twice, but at two consecutive competitions. The victories were made possible by Band Directors Dr. Daniel Kiene and Kevin Britt, Drum Majors Micah Mondt, Cecilia Mateo, Jonatan Gonzalez, and the hard work and dedication of the entire band.
“I’m incredibly proud of the hard work a dedication our students have put in since band camp started in July! Our student leadership did an excellent job preparing everyone for the competition, and every member left it all on the field Saturday night. We also have to thank all the parent volunteers who made the long drive to ensure that Saturday went off without a hitch! said Kevin Britt.
“I am so proud of the kids and the effort that they have put in this season, and I think the results show that hard work pays off! The kids, band parents, and staff have so much to be thankful for and proud of!” added Dr. Daniel Kiene.
