Bluffs Middle School Band History
Effort = Success
🚧👷This page is currently under construction, but will contain information about the history of the Bluffs Middle School Band program.🚧
1987 - 1988
Directors: Georgene Diers & L. Dean Maxwell
6th Grade Band - 55 members
7th Grade Band - 66 members
8th Grade Band - 59 members
1988-1989
Directors: Georgene Diers & L. Dean Maxwell
6th Grade Band - 68 members
7th Grade Band - 52 members
8th Grade Band - 57 members
Awards:
**Monday, May 1, 1989
The Scottsbluff Junior High/Middle School Band was the recipient of the John Philip Sousa Foundation coveted "SUDLER SILVER CUP AWARD" for 1988. The Scottsbluff Band was the only Junior High/Middle School Band selected from the entire United States to receive this honor.
The Sudler Cup is the Nation's most prestigious award for Junior High/Middle School Bands. It identifies, recognizes and honors outstanding fine Junior High/Middle School Concert Band Programs that have demonstrated particularly high standards of excellence in concert activities over a period of seven or more years.
Presentation of the Award was made by Gladys Stone Wright, one of our Nation's most significant band directors, music educators, and pioneers of women in the field of band music.
1989 - 1990
Directors: Georgene Diers & L. Dean Maxwell
6th Grade Band - 70 members
7th Grade Band - 70 members
8th Grade Band - 46 members
Colorado State University Band Day Parade - 3rd Place
Director, L. Dean Maxwell received the Donald Lentz Outstanding Bandmaster Award from the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association.
1990 - 1991
Directors: Georgene Diers & L. Dean Maxwell
6th Grade Band - 71 members
7th Grade Band - 65 members
8th Grade Band - 62 members
Old West Weekend Parade - SUPERIOR Rating
Director, Georgene Diers retires in 1991 after teaching 43 years and in 6 decades in the Scottsbluff Public Schools.
Directors, Georgene Diers and L. Dean Maxwell TEAM-taught for 22 years. (1969 - 1991)
1991 - 1992
Directors: L. Dean Maxwell & Randy Raines
6th Grade Band - 79 members
7th Grade Band - 70 members
8th Grade Band - 65 members
Old West Weekend Parade - SUPERIOR Rating
1992 - 1993
Directors: L. Dean Maxwell & Randy Raines
6th Grade Band - 82 members
7th Grade Band - 79 members
8th Grade Band - 72 members
Old West Weekend Parade - SUPERIOR Rating
1993 - 1994
Directors: L. Dean Maxwell & Randy Raines
6th Grade Band - 83 members
7th Grade Band - 83 members
8th Grade Band - 76 members
Old West Weekend Parade - SUPERIOR Rating
1994 - 1995
Directors: L. Dean Maxwell & Steven J. Miller
6th Grade Band - 76 members
7th Grade Band - 80 members
8th Grade Band - 73 members
Old West Weekend Parade - SUPERIOR Rating
1995 - 1996
Directors: L. Dean Maxwell & Steven J. Miller
6th Grade Band - 74 members
7th Grade Band - 70 members
8th Grade Band - 76 members
Old West Weekend Parade - SUPERIOR Rating
1996 - 1997
Directors: L. Dean Maxwell & Steven J. Miller
6th Grade Band - 61 members
7th Grade Band - 77 members
8th Grade Band - 66 members
Old West Weekend Parade - SUPERIOR Rating
1997 - 1998
Directors: L. Dean Maxwell & Steven J. Miller
6th Grade Band - 65 members
7th Grade Band - 61 members
8th Grade Band - 66 members
Old West Weekend Parade - SUPERIOR Rating
Director, L. Dean Maxwell retired in 1998 after teaching 29 years and in 4 decades in the Scottsbluff Public Schools.
1998 - 1999
Directors: Michael A. Koch & Steven J. Miller
6th Grade Band - 48 members
7th Grade Band - 63 members
8th Grade Band - 44 members
Activities/Awards
Old West Weekend Parade - 7th Grade Band - EXCELLENT Rating
8th Grade Band - SUPERIOR Rating
Veteran's Day Parade - 8th Grade Band
1999 - 2000
Directors: Michael A. Koch & Steven J. Miller
6th Grade Band - 53 members
7th Grade Band - 39 members
8th Grade Band - 61 members
Activities/Awards
Old West Weekend Parade - 8th Grade Band - SUPERIOR Rating
Veteran's Day Parade - 8th Grade Band
Guest Band for Nebraska State Bandmasters Association Convention - 8th Grade Concert Band
2000 - 2001
Directors: Michael A. Koch & Steven J. Miller
6th Grade Band - 65 members
7th Grade Band - 54 members
8th Grade Band - 39 members
Activities/Awards
Scottsbluff Centennial Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Summer Bands Combined
Old West Weekend Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Bands Combined (90 members) - SUPERIOR Rating
2001 - 2002
Directors: Michael A. Koch & Debra K. Koch
6th Grade Band - 73 members
7th Grade Band - 61 members
8th Grade Band - 41 members
Activities/Awards
Sidney Oktoberfest Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Bands Combined (103 members) - SUPERIOR Rating
Old West Weekend Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Bands Combined (103 members) - SUPERIOR Rating
N.S.B.A. 8th Grade All-State Band - Tara Simpson (1st Chair Clarinet)
2002 - 2003
Directors: Michael A. Koch & Francis J. Ibero
6th Grade Band - 81 members
7th Grade Band - 64 members
8th Grade Band - 56 members
Activities/Awards
Old West Weekend Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Bands Combined (122 members) - SUPERIOR Rating
Veteran's Day Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Bands Combined (122 members)
Guest Band for Nebraska Music Education Association Convention - 8th Grade Concert Band
N.S.B.A. 8th Grade All-State Band - John Cantril (Trumpet) & Nick Brening (Percussion)
Director, Michael A. Koch received the Outstanding Teacher award from the Scottsbluff Jaycees and a Citation of Excellence from the National Band Association.
2003 - 2004
Directors: Michael A. Koch & Francis J. Ibero
6th Grade Band - 56 members
7th Grade Band - 72 members
8th Grade Band - 60 members
Activities/Awards
Old West Weekend Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Bands Combined (130 members) - SUPERIOR Rating
Veteran's Day Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Bands Combined (131 members)
N.S.B.A. 8th Grade All-State Band - Brooke Brown (2nd Chair Clarinet)
2004 - 2005
Directors: Michael A. Koch & Francis J. Ibero
6th Grade Band - 59 members
7th Grade Band - 49 members
8th Grade Band - 52 members
Activities/Awards
Old West Weekend Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Bands Combined (100 members) - SUPERIOR Rating
Veteran's Day Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Bands Combined (100 members)
N.S.B.A. 8th Grade All-State Band - Breanna Elley (Clarinet), Zachary Durbin (Bass Clarinet), & Justin Vogel (Trumpet)
Western Nebraska Middle-Level Music Contest Results:
Solos
6th Grade 17 - SUPERIOR 5 - EXCELLENT
7th Grade 19 - SUPERIOR 7 - EXCELLENT
8th Grade 9 - SUPERIOR 1 - EXCELLENT
Concert Bands
6th Grade Band - SUPERIOR Rating
7th Grade Band - SUPERIOR Rating
8th Grade Band - SUPERIOR Rating
Music In The Parks Festival - 8th Grade Concert Band - 1st Place Class A (SUPERIOR Rating)
2005 - 2006
Directors: Michael A. Koch & Francis J. Ibero
6th Grade Band - 58 members
7th Grade Band - 46 members
8th Grade Band - 46 members
Activities/Awards
Old West Weekend Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Bands Combined (92 members) - SUPERIOR Rating
Veteran's Day Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Bands Combined (92 members)
"Demonstration Group" for Nebraska Music Education Association Convention - 8th Grade Concert Band
N.S.B.A. 8th Grade All-State Band - Faith Hovey (Clarinet) & Shane Feuz (Trumpet)
Western Nebraska Middle-Level Music Contest Results:
Solos
6th Grade 30 - SUPERIOR 4 - EXCELLENT
7th Grade 22 - SUPERIOR 5 - EXCELLENT
8th Grade 17 - SUPERIOR 7 - EXCELLENT
7th & 8th Grade Percussion Ensemble - SUPERIOR Rating
Concert Bands
6th Grade Band - SUPERIOR Rating
7th Grade Band - SUPERIOR Rating
8th Grade Band - SUPERIOR Rating
Music In The Parks Festival - 8th Grade Concert Band - 3rd Place Class A
2006 - 2007
Directors: Michael A. Koch & Francis J. Ibero
6th Grade Band - 57 members
7th Grade Band - 44 members
8th Grade Band - 39 members
Activities/Awards
Old West Weekend Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Bands Combined (83 members) - SUPERIOR Rating
N.S.B.A. 8th Grade All-State Band - Allie Brisco (Trombone), Karin Shedd (Trombone), Devon Marr (1st Chair Tuba), & Sara Frederick (1st Chair Mallet Percussion)
Western Nebraska Middle-Level Music Contest Results:
Solos
6th Grade 25 - SUPERIOR 2 - EXCELLENT
7th Grade 22 - SUPERIOR 2 - EXCELLENT
8th Grade 12 - SUPERIOR 4 - EXCELLENT
7th & 8th Grade Percussion Ensemble - SUPERIOR Rating
Concert Bands
6th Grade Band - SUPERIOR Rating
7th Grade Band - SUPERIOR Rating
8th Grade Band - SUPERIOR Rating
Music In The Parks Festival - 8th Grade Concert Band - 1st Place Class A (SUPERIOR Rating) & Best Overall Junior High/Middle School Concert Band
2007 - 2008
Directors: Michael A. Koch & Francis J. Ibero
6th Grade Band - 43 members
7th Grade Band - 51 members
8th Grade Band - 45 members
Activities/Awards
Old West Weekend Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Band Combined (95 members) - SUPERIOR Rating
N.S.B.A. 8th Grade All-State Band - Lindsey Schanaman (Flute), Giles Hovseth (Alto Saxophone), & Brooke Newens (Alternate - Trumpet)
Western Nebraska Middle-Level Music Contest Results:
Solos
6th Grade 14 - SUPERIOR 7 - EXCELLENT
7th Grade 21 - SUPERIOR 6 - EXCELLENT 1 - GOOD
8th Grade 11 - SUPERIOR 7 - EXCELLENT 1 - GOOD
Small Ensembles
7th & 8th Grade Percussion Ensemble - SUPERIOR Rating
7th & 8th Grade Brass Ensemble - SUPERIOR Rating
7th & 8th Grade Woodwind Ensemble - SUPERIOR Rating
Concert Bands
6th Grade Band - SUPERIOR Rating
7th Grade Band - SUPERIOR Rating
8th Grade Band - SUPERIOR Rating
Music In The Parks Festival - 8th Grade Concert Band - 1st Place Class A (SUPERIOR Rating) & Best Overall Junior High/Middle School Concert Band
2008 - 2009
Directors: Michael A. Koch & Francis J. Ibero
6th Grade Band - 50 members
7th Grade Band - 37 members
8th Grade Band - 41 members
Activities/Awards
Old West Weekend Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Bands Combined (76 members) - EXCELLENT Rating
SHS Homecoming Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Bands Combined (76 members)
Veteran's Day Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Bands Combined (76 members)
N.S.B.A. 8th Grade All-State Band - Kenneth Shedd (French Horn), Allison Stricker (2nd Alternate - Clarinet), Tyler Mickey (2nd Alternate - Trumpet), & Charles Belford (Alternate - Euphonium)
Western Nebraska Middle-Level Music Contest Results:
Solos
6th Grade 16 - SUPERIOR 8 - EXCELLENT
7th Grade 12 - SUPERIOR 2 - EXCELLENT
8th Grade 12 - SUPERIOR 8 - EXCELLENT
Small Ensembles
7th & 8th Grade Percussion Ensemble - SUPERIOR Rating
7th & 8th Grade Brass Ensemble - SUPERIOR Rating
7th & 8th Grade Woodwind Ensemble - SUPERIOR Rating
Concert Bands
6th Grade Band - SUPERIOR Rating
7th Grade Band - SUPERIOR Rating
8th Grade Band - SUPERIOR Rating
Music In The Parks Festival - 8th Grade Concert Band - 2nd Place Class A (SUPERIOR Rating)
2009 - 2010
Directors: Michael A. Koch & Francis J. Ibero
6th Grade Band - 57 members
7th Grade Band - 54 members
8th Grade Band - 36 members
Activities/Awards
Old West Weekend Parade - CANCELLED due to weather
BMS 7th & 8th Grade Bands performed in Concert with the "DALLAS BRASS" on November 2, 2009
Veteran's Day Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Bands Combined (88 members)
N.S.B.A. 8th Grade All-State Band - Taylor Schneider (Clarinet), Sarah Mercer-Smith (2nd Chair - Bass Clarinet), Daniel Schaub (2nd Chair - Trumpet), Lance Rice (2nd Alternate - Trumpet), & Tyler McCarthy (Trombone)
Western Nebraska Middle-Level Music Contest Results:
Solos
6th Grade 18 - SUPERIOR 7 - EXCELLENT
7th Grade 16 - SUPERIOR 5 - EXCELLENT
8th Grade 12 - SUPERIOR 3 - EXCELLENT
Small Ensembles
7th & 8th Grade Percussion Ensemble - SUPERIOR Rating
7th & 8th Grade Brass Ensemble - SUPERIOR Rating
Concert Bands
6th Grade Band - SUPERIOR Rating
7th Grade Band - SUPERIOR Rating
8th Grade Band - SUPERIOR Rating
Music In The Parks Festival - 8th Grade Concert Band - 2nd Place Class A (SUPERIOR Rating)
2010 - 2011
Directors: Michael A. Koch & Francis J. Ibero
6th Grade Band - 60 members
7th Grade Band - 48 members
8th Grade Band - 51 members
Activities/Awards
BMS Building Renovation Dedication Ceremony - 7th & 8th Grade Bands Combined (99 members)
SHS Homecoming Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Bands Combined (99 members)
Old West Weekend Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Bands Combined (99 members) - EXCELLENT Rating
Veteran's Day Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Bands Combined (99 members)
N.S.B.A. 8th Grade All-State Band - Matthew Mickey (1st Chair - Trombone), Bryce Meier (Alternate - Alto Saxophone), & Malachi Belford (Alternate - Tenor Saxophone)
Western Nebraska Middle-Level Music Contest Results:
Solos
6th Grade 16 - SUPERIOR 6 - EXCELLENT
7th Grade 16 - SUPERIOR 9 - EXCELLENT 2 - GOOD
8th Grade 16 - SUPERIOR 9 - EXCELLENT 1 - GOOD
Small Ensembles
7th & 8th Grade Percussion Ensemble - SUPERIOR Rating
7th & 8th Grade Brass Ensemble - SUPERIOR Rating
7th & 8th Grade Flute/Clarinet Ensemble - SUPERIOR Rating
7th & 8th Grade Saxophone Ensemble - SUPERIOR Rating
Large Ensembles
6th Grade Band - SUPERIOR Rating
7th Grade Band - SUPERIOR Rating
8th Grade Band - SUPERIOR Rating
7th & 8th Grade Jazz Band - SUPERIOR Rating
Music In The Parks Festival - 8th Grade Concert Band - 1st Place Class A (SUPERIOR Rating), Best Overall Junior High/Middle School Concert Band, and the "Esprit de Corps" Award
2011-2012
Directors: Michael A. Koch and Francis J. Ibero
Class Size:
6th Grade Band - 68
7th Grade Band - 51
8th Grade Band - 49
Activities/Awards:
SHS Homecoming Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (100 members)
Old West Weekend Parade Competition - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (100 members) - SUPERIORRating
Veterans Day Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (99 members)
N.S.B.A 8th Grade All-State Band - Students Selected: Megan Hayhurst (Flute), Olivia Michael (Trombone), Jared Pilkington (2nd Chair - Mallet Percussion), and Craig Smith (Trumpet)
Western Nebraska Middle Level Music Contest -
Solos
6th Grade 16 - SUPERIOR 7 - EXCELLENT
7th Grade 18 - SUPERIOR 4 - EXCELLENT
8th Grade 19 - SUPERIOR 10 - EXCELLENT
Small Ensembles
Brass Ensemble - SUPERIOR
Percussion Ensemble - SUPERIOR
Woodwind Ensemble - EXCELLENT
Large Ensembles
6th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all three judges)
7th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all three judges)
8th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all three judges)
BMS 7th & 8th Grade Brass Ensemble performed for "Music Education Week at the Capitol" on February 28, 2012.
Music In The Parks Festival – 8thGrade Concert Band – 1st Place Class A (SUPERIOR)
2012-2013
Directors: Michael A. Koch and Francis J. Ibero
Class Size:
6th Grade Band - 79
7th Grade Band - 60
8th Grade Band - 43
Activities/Awards:
Forty 7th & 8th Grade Band students from BMS performed in Concert with the “Presidio Brass”on September 7, 2012.
Old West Weekend Parade Competition - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (102 members) - SUPERIOR Rating.
Veterans Day Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (103 members).
N.S.B.A 8th Grade All-State Band - Students Selected: Gunnar Buchhammer (Alternate - Tenor Saxophone), Ashleigh Charron (Trumpet), Joshua Hergenreder (Trumpet), Alisha Huynh (1st Chair Flute), Adam Taylor (Baritone), and Abby Tygart (Trumpet).
Western Nebraska Middle Level Music Contest -
Solos:
6th Grade 26 - SUPERIOR and 11 - EXCELLENT
7th Grade 21 - SUPERIOR and 8 - EXCELLENT
8th Grade 19 - SUPERIOR and 2 - EXCELLENT
Small Ensembles:
Brass Ensemble - SUPERIOR
Percussion Ensemble - SUPERIOR
Woodwind Ensemble - SUPERIOR
Large Ensembles:
6th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all 5 judges)
7th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all 5 judges)
8th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all 5 judges)
Music In The Parks Festival – 8th Grade Concert Band – 1st Place Class A (SUPERIOR) and Best Overall Junior High/Middle School Concert Band
Director, Michael A. Koch, received the Career Teacher Award for 25 years of dedicated service to music education in Nebraska from the Nebraska Music Educators Association.
2013-2014
Directors: Michael A. Koch and Francis J. Ibero
Class Size:
6th Grade Band - 83 members
7th Grade Band - 64 members
8th Grade Band - 50 members
Activities/Awards:
SHS Homecoming Super Rally performance - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (119 members)
Old West Weekend Parade Competition - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (119 members) - SUPERIOR Rating.
Veterans Day Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (116 members)
N.M.E.A. "Demonstration Group" for All-State Convention (8th Grade Concert Band)
N.S.B.A. 8th Grade All-State Band - Students Selected: Hailey Franklin (Alternate - Bass Clarinet), Uriah Mata (1st Chair - Trombone), Sam McCaslin (Percussion), and Jackson Ronne (Trombone).
Western Nebraska Middle Level Music Contest -
Solos:
6th Grade 24 - SUPERIOR and 8 - EXCELLENT
7th Grade 21 - SUPERIOR and 7 - EXCELLENT
8th Grade 16 - SUPERIOR and 1 - EXCELLENT
Small Ensembles:
Brass Ensemble - SUPERIOR
Percussion Ensemble - SUPERIOR
Woodwind Ensemble - SUPERIOR
Large Ensembles:
6th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR
7th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR
8th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR
Music In The Parks Festival – 8th Grade Concert Band – 1st Place Class A (SUPERIOR), Best Overall Junior High/Middle School Concert Band, and the “Esprit de Corps” Award
Director, Michael A. Koch, received the 2013 NMEA Music Educator of the Year Award from the Nebraska Music Educators Association.
2014-2015
Directors: Michael A. Koch and Francis J. Ibero
Class Size:
6th Grade Band - 78 members
7th Grade Band - 64 members
8th Grade Band - 55 members
Activities/Awards:
SHS Homecoming Parade & Super Rally - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (129 members)
Old West Weekend Parade Competition - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (118 members) - SUPERIOR Rating.
Veterans Day Parade – CANCELLED DUE TO POOR WEATHER (below zero temps.)
N.S.B.A. 8th Grade All-State Band - Students Selected: Brayden Gonzales (1st Chair - Bass Clarinet), Morgan Mickey (Trombone), Kathryn Phillips (Clarinet), and Catherine Wisniewski (Trumpet).
Western Nebraska Middle Level Music Contest -
Solos:
6th Grade 27 - SUPERIOR, 4 - EXCELLENT, and 1 - GOOD
7th Grade 19 - SUPERIOR and 5 - EXCELLENT
8th Grade 19 - SUPERIOR and 11 - EXCELLENT
Small Ensemble:
Woodwind Ensemble - SUPERIOR
Large Ensembles:
6th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR
7th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR
8th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR
197 Sixth, Seventh, & Eighth Grade Band students from BMS participated in an "Artist in Residence" Day with composer, Darryl Johnson II on April 22, 2015.
Music In The Parks Festival – 8th Grade Concert Band – 2nd Place Class A (SUPERIOR) and the “Esprit de Corps” Award
2015-2016
Directors: Michael A. Koch and Francis J. Ibero
Assistant Director: Debra K. Koch
Class Size:
6th Grade Band - 56 members
7th Grade Band - 77 members
8th Grade Band - 58 members
Activties/Awards:
Old West Weekend Parade Competition - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (136 members) - SUPERIOR Rating and tied with the Gering HS Band for the "Class Act" Award.
Veterans Day Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (133 members)
N.S.B.A. 8th Grade All-State Band - Students selected: McCinsey Baum (Alternate-Alto Saxophone), Kamden McGrew (2nd Chair-Trombone), Katherine Reisig (Percussion), and Brisa Rios (Alternate-Flute).
N.S.B.A. Guest Band for Bandmasters Convention (8th Grade Concert Band)
Western Nebraska Middle Level Music Contest -
Solos:
6th Grade 24-SUPERIOR 7-EXCELLENT 1-GOOD
7th Grade 33-SUPERIOR 5-EXCELLENT
8th Grade 28-SUPERIOR 7-EXCELLENT
Large Ensembles:
6th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all three judges)
7th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all three judges)
8th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all three judges)
Music in the Parks Festival - 8th Grade Concert Band - 1st Place Class A (SUPERIOR), Best Overall Jr. High/Middle School Concert Band, and the "Esprit de Corps" Award.
2016-2017
Directors: Michael A. Koch and Francis J. Ibero
Assistant Director: Debra K. Koch
Class Size:
6th Grade Band - 80
7th Grade Band - 51
8th Grade Band - 67
Activties/Awards:
Old West Weekend Parade Competition - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (120 members) - SUPERIOR Rating
Veteran's Day Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (117 members)
N.S.B.A. 8th Grade All-State Band - Students selected: Josie Brezenski (Bass Clarinet - 1st Chair), Jamie Chen (French Horn - Alternate), Jamisyn Howard (French Horn), Maya Moran (French Horn), Adam Polk (Trombone), and Ben Roberts (Tenor Saxophone - 1st Chair).
Western Nebraska Middle Level Music Contest -
Solos:
6th Grade 21-SUPERIOR 9-EXCELLENT
7th Grade 18-SUPERIOR 5-EXCELLENT
8th Grade 28-SUPERIOR 4-EXCELLENT 2-GOOD
Large Ensembles:
6th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all four judges)
7th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all four judges)
8th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all four judges)
Music in the Parks Festival - 8th Grade Concert Band - 2nd Place Class A (EXCELLENT)
Director, Michael A. Koch, received a Citation of Excellence from the National Band Association for the 8th Grade Bands performance at the 2016 N.S.B.A. Convention.
2017-2018
Directors: Michael A. Koch and Francis J. Ibero
Assistant Director: Debra K. Koch
Class Size:
6th Grade Band - 73
7th Grade Band - 68
8th Grade Band - 37
Activities/Awards:
Old West Weekend Parade Competition - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (115 members) - SUPERIOR Rating
Veteran's Day Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (103 members)
N.S.B.A. 8th Grade All-State Band & Jazz Band - Students Selected: Ethan Gion (Trumpet - Alternate), Nathan Hoevet (Clarinet), John Mentgen (Guitar - Jazz Band), & Ayden Reed (Tuba)
Western Nebraska Middle-Level Music Contest -
Solos:
6th Grade 17 - SUPERIOR 10 - EXCELLENT
7th Grade 26 - SUPERIOR 6 - EXCELLENT
8th Grade 21 - SUPERIOR 4 - EXCELLENT
Large Ensembles:
6th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR
7th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all four judges)
8th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR
Music in the Parks Festival - 8th Grade Concert Band - 3rd Place Class A (EXCELLENT)
Director, Michael A. Koch, received a Career Teacher Award for 30 years of dedicated service to Music Education in Nebraska from the Nebraska Music Educators Association.
2018-2019
Directors: Michael A. Koch and Francis J. Ibero
Assistant Director: Debra K. Koch
Class Size:
6th Grade Band - 70
7th Grade Band - 56
8th Grade Band - 62
Activities/Awards:
Old West Weekend Parade Competition - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (116 members) - SUPERIOR Rating
Guest Band for Nebraska Education Association Convention (8th Grade Concert Band)
N.S.B.A. 8th Grade All-State Band - Students Selected: Jenna Buck (Alto Saxophone), Eleah Chavez (Trumpet), Elizabeth Fuss (Trumpet), Clara Heldt (French Horn - Alternate), Riley Ibero (First Chair Euphonium), Michael Mickey (Trumpet), Maddie Still (Trombone), and Zach Wharton (Bari. Saxophone).
Western Nebraska Middle-Level Music Contest -
Solos:
6th Grade 19 - SUPERIOR 1 - EXCELLENT
7th Grade 28 - SUPERIOR 2 - EXCELLENT
8th Grade 33 - SUPERIOR 1 - EXCELLENT
Large Ensembles:
6th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all four judges)
7th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all four judges)
8th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all four judges)
Music in the Parks Festival - 8th Grade Concert Band - 1st Place Class A (EXCELLENT), Best Overall Jr. High/Middle School Concert Band
Director, Michael A. Koch, received a Citation of Excellence from the National Band Association for the 8th Grade Bands performance at the 2018 N.M.E.A. Convention.
2019-2020
Directors: Michael A. Koch & Francis J. Ibero
Assistant Director: Debra K. Koch
Class Size:
6th Grade Band - 72
7th Grade Band - 57
8th Grade Band - 49
Activities/Awards:
Homecoming Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (113 members)
Old West Weekend Parade Competition - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (113 members) - SUPERIOR Rating
Veteran's Day Parade - Cancelled due to Weather (ice on roads)
N.S.B.A. 8th Grade All-State Band - Students Selected: Rosie Burkhalter (Clarinet - Alternate), Abby Pieper (Bass Clarinet), and Max Meyer (Tuba) - Cancelled due to Weather
Central NE Regional Honor Band - Students Selected: Rosie Burkhalter (Clarinet), Charley Devlin (Flute), Teyla Huff (Flute), Jackson Howard (Trombone), Tallon McDonald (Trumpet), Max Meyer (Tuba), Megan Peister (Trumpet), and Abby Pieper (Bass Clarinet)
Western Nebraska Middle-Level Music Contest -
Solos:
6th Grade 33 - SUPERIOR 4 - EXCELLENT 1 - GOOD
7th Grade 21 - SUPERIOR 5 - EXCELLENT
8th Grade 24 - SUPERIOR 4 - EXCELLENT
Large Ensembles:
6th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all four judges)
7th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR
8th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all four judges)
Music in the Parks Festival - 8th Grade Concert Band - CANCELLED due to COVID-19 Pandemic Closures
Director, Michael A. Koch, received an "Excellence in Education" award from the SBPS Foundation.
2020-2021
Directors: Michael A. Koch & Francis J. Ibero
Assistant Director: Debra K. Koch
Class Size:
6th Grade Band - 50
7th Grade Band - 54
8th Grade Band - 34
Activities/Awards:
Homecoming Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (93 members)
Old West Weekend Parade Competition - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (93 members) - No Rating (Judges Comments ONLY due to COVID-19 format)
Veteran's Day Parade - Cancelled due to COVID-19
N.S.B.A. 8th Grade All-State Band - Students Selected: Allison Clodfelter (Clarinet), Dagen Cranmore (Trumpet), Mina Griffith (Bass Clarinet), Collin Phillips (Trumpet), & Capria Rogers (Trombone) - Cancelled due to COVID-19
Western Nebraska Middle-Level Music Contest - Cancelled due to COVID-19
Held virtually (BMS students ONLY)
Solos:
6th Grade 24 - SUPERIOR 6 - EXCELLENT 2 - GOOD
7th Grade 18 - SUPERIOR 8 - EXCELLENT 1 - GOOD
8th Grade 16 - SUPERIOR 5 - EXCELLENT
Large Ensembles:
6th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR
7th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR
8th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR
N.S.B.A. State Concert Band Festival - Held virtually (7th Grade Concert Band & 8th Grade Concert Band)
Music in the Parks Festival - 8th Grade Concert Band - Cancelled due to COVID-19
2021-2022
Directors: Michael A. Koch & Francis J. Ibero
Assistant Director: Debra K. Koch
Class Size:
6th Grade Band - 51
7th Grade Band - 53
8th Grade Band - 41
Activities/Awards:
Homecoming Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (84 members)
Old West Weekend Parade Competition - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (87 members) - SUPERIOR Rating
Veteran's Day Parade (88 members)
N.S.B.A. 8th Grade All-State Band - Students Selected: Traven Kinsey (Trumpet), Jacob Mark (1st Chair Tuba), Addison Peck (Clarinet), Quintyn Quevedo (Trumpet), Nicholas Roberts (2nd Chair Trombone), and Hilario Vaquera Martinez (Clarinet).
Western Nebraska Middle-Level Music Contest
Solos:
6th Grade 24 - SUPERIOR 3 - EXCELLENT
7th Grade 29 - SUPERIOR 28 - EXCELLENT
8th Grade 18 - SUPERIOR 7 - EXCELLENT
Large Ensembles:
6th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR
7th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR
8th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR
Guest Band for Nebraska State Bandmasters Association Convention (8th Grade Concert Band)
Music in the Parks Festival - 8th Grade Concert Band - 2nd Place Class A (EXCELLENT)
Director, Michael A. Koch, received a Career Teacher Award for 35 years of dedicated service to Music Education in Nebraska from the Nebraska Music Educators Association.
2022 - 2023
Directors: Michael A. Koch & Francis J. Ibero
Assistant Director: Debra K. Koch
Class Size:
6th Grade Band - 76
7th Grade Band - 40
8th Grade Band - 43
Activities/Awards:
Homecoming Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (87 members)
Old West Weekend Parade Competition - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (87 members) - SUPERIOR Rating
BMS 7th & 8th Grade Bands performed in Concert with the "DALLAS BRASS" on September 16, 2022
Guest Band for Nebraska Music Education Association Convention (8th Grade Concert Band)
N.S.B.A. 8th Grade All-State Band - Students Selected: Adalynn Branon (1st Chair Flute), Alexi Mata (Clarinet), Jonah Flammang (Trombone), Savannah Ramirez (Trombone), Drew Kaufman (1st Chair Tuba), & Noah Rugroden (Percussion)
Western Nebraska Middle-Level Music Contest
Solos:
6th Grade 24 - SUPERIOR 8 - EXCELLENT
7th Grade 21 - SUPERIOR 5 - EXCELLENT
8th Grade 28 - SUPERIOR 2 - EXCELLENT
Small Ensemble:
7th & 8th Grade Percussion Ensemble - SUPERIOR
Music in the Parks Festival - 8th Grade Concert Band - 1st Place Class A (SUPERIOR), Best Overall Junior High/Middle School Concert Band, and the "Esprit de Corps" Award
Director, Michael A. Koch, received a Citation of Excellence from the National Band Association for the 8th Grade Bands performance at the 2022 N.S.B.A. Convention.
2023 - 2024
Directors: Michael A. Koch & Francis J. Ibero
Assistant Director: Debra K. Koch
Class Size:
6th Grade Band - 75
7th Grade Band - 60
8th Grade Band - 39
Activities/Awards:
Homecoming Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (99 members)
Old West Weekend Parade Competition - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (99 members) - SUPERIOR Rating
Veteran's Day Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (99 members)
N.S.B.A. 8th Grade All-State Band - Students Selected: London Grant (1st Chair Clarinet), Zain Jennings (Bass Clarinet), Caleb Clodfelter (2nd Chair Trumpet), Gauge Vela (Trumpet), William Green (1st Chair Euphonium), Samantha Camacho (2nd Chair Percussion), & William Schlickbernd (Percussion)
Western Nebraska Middle-Level Music Contest
Solos:
6th Grade 33 - SUPERIOR 12 - EXCELLENT
7th Grade 31 - SUPERIOR 7 - EXCELLENT
8th Grade 17 - SUPERIOR 4 - EXCELLENT
Small Ensemble:
7th & 8th Grade Woodwind Ensemble - EXCELLENT
Panhandle Middle School Honor Band - Students Selected: Bree Delgado (Flute), Bailee Todd (Flute), Zeya Burton (Clarinet), London Grant (Clarinet), Kayce Bernadac (Alto Saxophone), Caleb Clodfelter (Trumpet), Trenton Gion (Trumpet), Gauge Vela (Trumpet), Baylin Lemmon (Trombone), William Green (Euphonium), Marten Lewis (Tuba), Brendan Benzel (Percussion), Samantha Camacho (Percussion), and William Schlickbernd (Percussion)
Music in the Parks Festival - 8th Grade Concert Band - 4th Place Class A (EXCELLENT)