On Saturday, April 12, the Carbondale Community High School Band won the IHSA State Music Championship for division A. This is the first time since 1982 that Carbondale has accomplished this feat, and the eighth consecutive year in which they have placed in the top 10.
“There are eight or nine locations hearing bands, choirs, and orchestras all day long. There are 40 schools at each location and there are 87 in our division, which is the second largest” said band director Greg Townsend, who has directed the CCHS band for the last 12 years.
The competition is not based on the one performance at the events, such as in sports, but looks at the year as a whole. It looks at four events: Mixed Chorus, Girls Choir, Jazz Band, and Concert Band. Carbondale had nearly 120 students total participating in all events. The performances are given a ranking, which determines the number of points that are awarded, with the total points possible being 300.
This accomplishment speaks of highly of the entire music department, not just the band, as all four events had to be perfect in order to win. Carbondale was only one-tenth of a point ahead, which allowed for the maximum points being awarded.
The events are judged by retired veteran teachers that are highly respected in the musical community. The judges have to pass a strenuous training course that can’t be failed even once. Each event is observed by 3 judges.
This was the final IHSA event for the band. They will be performing in a few ensembles as we approach the end of the school year.
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