The
Elkins High School Band is once again sponsoring the TOB Western Evaluation
and
Contest for the 2009
marching season. This contest was first started in 2002 and is still the
first
contest in the Tournament
of Bands marching circuit. This year’s evaluation and contest will
be September 12, 2009 at
Wimer Stadium in Elkins, WV.
The day is designed to help bands
get a jump on the marching season. During the
afternoon, bands will have
the opportunity to perform (casual dress is usually the norm) for a
small panel of judges. The
judges make comment tapes only! Following your evaluation
performance, the judging
panel divides up your group by instrumentation and caption area for a
short clinic session.
These clinics are invaluable as it gives the directors and band students the
opportunity to talk with
judges in a friendly and open environment. It is during the clinic that
students begin to see the
judges as teachers, musicians and humans! This insight becomes
invaluable during the
marching season. All evaluation and clinic sessions are closed to the
public!
Following the clinic, each band
will have the opportunity to use one of 3 practice fields to
work on things discussed
during the clinic. The practice fields will be scheduled for each band
based on evaluation and
clinic times. Each band will also have the opportunity to eatl at our
concession stand. We ask
that your students eat at least one meal at our stadium. Your group
will also have some free
time to relax and prepare for the contest.
In the early evening, the day
turns to competition as we will have a normal contest with
an audience, trophies and
scoring. Following the competition, bands will depart for home more
confident in the marching
season and knowing that they have been one of the first bands to
compete in the 2009 TOB
outdoor season.
We hope that you will consider
attending the TOB Western Evaluation and Contest at
Wimer Stadium in Elkins,
WV. This day is for you and your band. You have the flexibility to
attend the evaluation
and/or the contest. Many directors say that this contest is too early for
their band, but remember
that it is early for everyone and the clinic will help your group
throughout the season. We
welcome whatever serves the needs of your band. If you are
interested, feel free to
contact me via email jeffcaplinger@yahoo.com or at EHS (304) 636-
9170. Applications are due
by August 14 to ensure your band’s place in this unique TOB
experience!
