Mantua – The Crestwood “Scarlet Guard” Marching Band will travel Thursday November 10, 2011 to participate in the Bands of America Grand National Championships. This is recognized as the premier marching band event in the nation. Annual spectators and participants exceed 100,000 annually to attend this highly competitive event. Ninety bands from across America will participate, including some of the finest, most progressive band programs in the activity today. [pulledquote]…the highest level of accomplishment for a marching band to achieve… [/pulledquote]The field competition features 90 bands in preliminary competition on Thursday and Friday, with 30 bands advancing to semi-finals during the day on Saturday. Twelve bands advance to Finals on Saturday evening.
This is the highest level of accomplishment for a marching band to achieve and be afforded the opportunity to participate in. Crestwood is the only marching band ever selected from Portage County — and to be selected to participate for a second time in four years is a remarkable accomplishment. The band is one of only 20 bands to represent the state of Ohio.
The Crestwood Local Schools and community are very proud of their nationally-recognized band program.. The Scarlet Guard competition show is titled “Switch” and by the end of the program the entire band is immersed in bright neon green plumes with six giant switches on the field. These kids truly exemplify the hard work, pride, and dedication that it takes to perform at this level.
We are putting together a book to give to the kids when they leave next week with letter of congratulations and good luck. It would mean a great deal to the children and band program to have a letter from you wishing them well as they represent Portage County and the State of Ohio.
Please feel free to send the letter via email to jacobadkins@me.org. If email is a problem you can mail the letter to the following address:
Kate Ferguson, Director
Crestwood High School Bands
10919 Main Street
Mantua, Ohio 44255
In addition, the school is hosting a pep rally for the band on Wednesday November 9, 2011 at 2PM at Crestwood High School. All are highly encouraged to attend and show support for the Scarlet Guard for this most high accomplishment. The school district at Crestwood High School is very proud of its national award winning band program.
