FLINT TWP. — The Carman-Ainsworth High School marching band was applauded at the board of education meeting last week for an outstanding season.
With a season-high score of 78.65 (out o 100), the Blue Brigade finished seventh in Flight Two of state finals for the Michigan Competing Band Association (MCBA).
“This is one of the highest scores the Blue Brigade has earned in several years,” said Benjy Jones, band director.
He explained that high school bands from around the state perform on Saturdays throughout September and October to qualify for participation at the MCBA State Championships. Twelve bands are selected from each flight classification based on the average of top scores during the season. Carman Ainsworth competed against 12 bands in Flight Two.
The State Championships took place Nov. 5 at Ford Field in Detroit. Photos from the performance are posted on the Blue Brigade’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Carmanainsworth blue-brigade-marchingband/ 207222482645658?sk=wall&filter=12.
Jones was accompanied at the board meeting recognition by Kailey Fiewig and Jalen Walker, who were drum majors for the year, and other representatives of the 98-member band.
“All the adults involved with the Blue Brigade are extremely proud of the student members and their hard work and dedication throughout the season,” Jones said. “We would also like to thank the Carman-Ainsworth administration, the Cavalier Band Boosters and all the parents for continuing to support this activity.”
Superintendent Bill Haley said he was impressed by the band’s hard work and persistence.
“You have done a tremendous job of establishing a culture of excellence and success,’’ Haley said to Jones. “I know that you have overcome a number of issues and hardships . We are very proud of this program.”
One of those hardships is that the band practices in the school’s weed-invaded asphalt parking lot. Haley said he doubted that competing bands faced that kind of challenge.
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