State berths achieved by River View, Ridgewood bands

WARSAW - There was a sense of relief when River View heard it had received a Superior Rating and a berth to the state band show after hosting the Black Bears Marching Band Invitational.

Months of hard work were finally rewarded, noted River View second-year drum major Ryan Gildow, a senior.

The invitational featured nine schools, and more than 500 band members participated.

"This was our third show, and we practice for about (90 minutes) three days a week so it feels good to hear our name called," Gildow said. "We have two shows left before state. We have to stay focused and can't take it easy from here."

Ridgewood also earned a state berth after receiving first place for the Class B bands. The Generals received the Most Outstanding Percussion award for Class B and the same honor regardless of class.

The Generals show was called Peace & Quiet with Imagine by John Lennon, Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony and Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles.

Harrison Orand, who plays bottom bass, said being able to receive those accolades show the work was worth the time.

"There's a tradition here and we're on edge all year until we finally make state," Orand said. "With our songs, we wanted everyone to think about slowing down and relaxing. It's about taking time away from technology and taking a breather to enjoy life."

River View's show was called Piece of Mind, as they played a four-part set in describing the brain.

"We had to focus and concentrate on the music and marching," said senior trumpeter Alexis McCormick. "Coming in and not having that state qualification, it's relieving and gives us a sense of accomplishment now. It was one of our best runs, but we can still improve."

Being able to see the judges' comments and recommendations will help the band work on better its performance.

"We get to see videos and read what the judges saw, good and bad," McCormick said. "Sometimes, you're out of line and out of time, but you don't know it until you read it or see it. We'll get back to work next week since we have some shows left."

River View also recognized a long-time drum major, Kyle L. Harrop, who passed away unexpectedly earlier this year.

Newark was given the inaugural Kyle L. Harrop Outstanding Drum Major award, as Erin Spring, who judged the field commanders, took several aspects into account.

"You're looking for the musicality and leadership of the band. You also want to see how they interact with the audience," she said.

Kyle's parents, Walt and Donna Harrop, were on hand to pass out the honor. They appreciated River View recognizing their son, who was a three-year drum major for the Black Bears and at Mount Union.

Walt, the long-time basketball coach at River View, credited Kyle's high school directors, Alan English and Tom McLeish, in helping his son pursue his love of music, while Donna recalled Kyle taking to music as early as a toddler where he enjoyed listening to his records.

"It was exciting and sad when we heard they wanted to name the award for him. The exciting part was he loved being a field commander," Walt said. "I wanted him to play basketball, but by his sophomore year, he wanted to focus on music. It was unheard in his time to be a sophomore and a field commander, but he had that passion and enjoyed leading."

Coshocton did not earn a state berth, but received Best Percussion in Class C and were second overall in that class.

bhannahs@gannett.com

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Twitter: @brandonhannahs