Nearly 80 Claremore High School band students, parents and faculty returned to town late Monday night after a whirlwind trip to Orlando, Fla., where they competed at the Disney National Festival of Bands.

The Concert Band and Jazz Band — under the direction of Kevin Couch and associate director and Rod Clark — both won awards at the contest which attracted choirs, bands and orchestras from across the country.

“This was a big, big competition,” Couch said. “Mr. Clark and I are extremely proud of the students.”

The CHS Jazz Band was named the top Jazz Band in the entire competition and took home the coveted “Gold” Award.

“It looked like an Academy Award but it was a gold Mickey Mouse,” said Debbie Gunkel, a parent who traveled with the group. “This is a very prestigious award. They were beyond excited; we’re still hoarse from cheering when it was announced.”

The Jazz Band also earned the title of Best in Class in the 3A division.

Both the Jazz Band and the Concert Band received superior ratings and the Concert Band was ranked fourth overall.

“They missed third place by half a point,” Couch said.

Couch, who is in his second year at Claremore, said that the bands’ success at the contest is a tribute to the support they received from businesses and individuals in the community.

“The kids really represented Claremore Schools and the city of Claremore very well,” he said. “The judges were very impressed with the quality of bands from Oklahoma and we are proud to be part of that.”

Performances were critiqued and scored by a three-person panel of judges made up of college professors and nationally known composers and directors.

“They performed in front of people who know the standard, nationally,” Couch said.

Added Gunkel, “After each performance, one judge would come on stage to do a clinic with the band. After our Jazz Band played, the judge said ‘I really don’t have anything to say to you guys — just keep doing what you’re doing.’”

The competition was the first national contest Claremore High School bands have been to in many years.

“This is a wonderful first step for the Claremore band program,” Couch said. “Our long-term plan is to be involved in a national contest every year — alternating a close destination with a distant one every other year. We’ve really tried to raise the bar and the kids have jumped on board.”

Each student received a medal for their participation.

The group boarded two charter buses Wednesday evening, April 25, to begin the 24-hour drive to Orlando. They competed Friday and spent time at various Disney World theme parks Saturday and Sunday. The awards assembly was Saturday night.

“The schedule was exhausting, but everything worked out perfectly,” Gunkel said.

The award-winning Jazz Band will be in concert this Friday at 7 p.m. at Robson Performing Arts Center.

Wanda...

Has been conducting tours in Oklahoma and surrounding States for over fifteen years.  She is the Receptive Tour Operator for NE Oklahoma.  Wanda's extensive and varied experience in the travel industry enhances her success as a Tour Company and Travel Agency Owner and Director.  

Wanda hosted  two Radio talk shows in Oklahoma.  She has many years as a promoter  (including the publicity)  of many large and successful events.

Her unique training and varied talents, coupled with an outgoing  personality and compassionate, caring nature, make her a one-of-a-kind guide whose clients receive the attention of someone who cares about their comforts and needs while away from home.  

Wanda is currently working to provide travel club opportunities that provide affordable options for touring many of the most rewarding destinations.    Check out the Gadabouts to see some of the opportunities for fun currently available through Wanda's Tours.