Avon Mighty Eagles Marching Band Named Grand Champion at 2017 Music In Motion OMEA Competition

Avon High School is pleased to announce that their Mighty Eagles Marching Band was named Grand Champion at the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) adjudicated competition at Maumee High School on Saturday, October 14, 2017, for their performance of “Into the Wild”, which depicts the mystery, danger and wonder of exploring a jungle. The music for the show is an arrangement of Robert W. Smith’s Africa: Ceremony, Song and Ritual, arranged by John M. Brennan, percussion by Nicholas Merillat and drill design by Will Wells.

In addition to being named the overall winner, the band also won: Best Music in Show and in Class AA; Best Visual in Show and in Class AA; Best General Effect in Show and in Class AA; and Best Color Guard in Show and in Class AA. The Mighty Eagle Marching Band scored straight ones across all judging categories, which qualified the group to compete in the OMEA state finals competition in Brunswick, OH on Saturday, November 4th, 2017. A one is the highest possible rating a band can earn in an OMEA competition.

Aaron Jacobs, Director of Avon’s marching band, said that this win was a long time in the making. “It’s been about six years since we’ve won a show; we’ve spent the last several years rebuilding and growing our organization,” stated Jacobs. “When I started in this role we had 78 members, we’re up to 95 now, and the incoming classes are expected to increase the size of our marching band.

“The success we’re experiencing right now is the result of much more than sheer numbers, however,” continued Jacobs. “Over the past several years, we have instituted a comprehensive overhaul of the processes at our middle school program that’s now paying off with incoming freshmen who are more confident in their musical abilities.”

Jacobs also said that he was thankful for the contributions of the band staff, Mr. Bryan Hoersten, Mr. Brandon Mason, Ms. Laurel Florek, Ms. Taylor Young and Ms. Amanda Vandenhemel, as well as the fine example student leaders within the band set. When asked about what the future holds for the Mighty Eagle Marching Band, Jacobs replied, “When I watch these students rehearse, their energy is infectious. All season long, we’ve incorporated judges’ feedback by adjusting the show’s musicality, balance, and dynamics. A confluence of hard work, a sincere desire to win, and continual improvements to our show translated into a big win for us last night, but we’re far from done. There’s one more box on my wish list for the 2017 season to check off, and that’s earning a one at the state finals competition.”