(Casper, WY) – For a third year in a row, the Riverton High School marching band has earned the highest award possible at the Wyoming State Marching Band contest in Casper. The Wolverine band was one of just six schools across the state to earn the designation of “superior.”
Band Director Andy Peeks said there was some concern on his part this year because the criteria for the top designation became a little more difficult. “It’s been based on how well your kids march and how well you play,” Peeks explained of the superior rating. “There was a change made this year that reduced the amount that your wind players contributed to the score so that was a little scary for me.”
Riverton had to wait several hours after their Saturday afternoon performance to find out how they did, adding to the tension. “Even when we walked off the court and got back to the bus, they were asking me how did it go and I’m like, I can’t tell you whether we locked that in or not.” Several hours later when the final results were announced, the band members erupted with joy. “They were fired up, they really were. It was a hard road for us this year. We had 25 freshmen out of the 64 total members and you never know how that’s going to go.”
Riverton joined Douglas, Cheyenne East, Cheyenne South, Sheridan and Kelly Walsh as the only other prep bands in the state with a superior rating. “Caption Awards” were also given out for many different categories. Riverton won four of those in the 3A open division including; Music Caption, Marching Caption, Winds Caption and Guard Caption.
To hear more from Riverton High School Band Director Andy Peeks, click the player below or search for the County 10 Podcast!