The Ponca City High School Marching Band attended the Deer Creek Invitational Marching Contest last Saturday, Sept. 19.
The band placed second in their class in preliminary competition, earning a spot in finals. Only 12 of the 20 participating bands advanced to finals. The Po-Hi Band delivered an even stronger performance during finals and finished 10th overall, which was announced during a full massing of bands awards ceremony following the finals portion of the contest.
PCPS Director of Bands Connor Pratt said, “This is the strongest start to a competitive marching season that the Ponca City Band has had in a very long time. The results of this contest are a testament to the endurance and dedication our students have developed through their hard work since June. It was extremely hot on Saturday, with temperatures around 100 degrees when the band began warm-ups for prelims. Proud is not a strong enough word to describe how our students should feel about what was accomplished at this contest. If you have not seen the band recently, please consider attending a home football game to support all of our Wildcats. Great things are happening right now in Ponca City!”
PCPS Superintendent Adam Leaming said, “What Connor Pratt has done with our Po-Hi Band in his short time is nothing short of incredible. Our kids have bought into our program, and under his leadership, Ponca City is back where it belongs- among the best in Oklahoma. Congratulations to our Seniors for leading our band and laying a new foundation of success. I’m thrilled for our kids and school district.”
Jason Salazar, Treven Cowherd, Dylan Labon, Alyssa Walker, Cherie Brigman-Hampl, and Paula Cochran all helped support the band throughout marching season and at Saturday’s contest. The band also thanks the PCPS Transportation Department for providing safe transportation, as well as the parents who helped at contest by setting up the campsite, feeding the band, and ensuring students had everything they needed.
The Ponca City High School Marching Band will compete next at the Yukon Invitational Marching Contest on Saturday, Sept. 26.