Claremore High School Band Marching to Top Honors in 2024 Season
The Claremore High School Marching Band has achieved remarkable success during the 2024 marching season, embodying the Claremore Public Schools’ core values of grit, community, innovation, excellence, and purpose. These accomplishments underscore the band’s dedication and talent, making this a standout year for the program.
“This season has been a testament to the students' hard work and perseverance,” said Courtney Acord, Claremore High School Director of Bands. “Their commitment to excellence is evident in every performance, and these awards highlight the depth of their effort.”
2024 Achievements
The Claremore High School Marching Band has celebrated several significant accomplishments this year:
Stallion Battalion: Secured a victory for the first time since 2019.
OSSAA Marching Contest: Earned a Superior rating, marking only the seventh time in program history and the first since 2019.
Oklahoma Bandmasters Association (OBA): Achieved a historic 5th place finish, the highest placement in school history.
“To place so highly at OBA is an incredible achievement,” said Acord. “This reflects not only the talent of our students but also their ability to collaborate and push through challenges.”
Dedication and Preparation
The band’s success results from hours of rigorous preparation and teamwork. Band members invest over 80 hours during summer training, with guard and percussion sections starting two weeks earlier. Students participate in eight additional hours of weekly rehearsals and student-led sectional practices during the school year.
“Our students’ commitment goes beyond rehearsals,” Acord added. “Their leadership and camaraderie are what truly make this program thrive.”
Friday nights are filled with first-hour practices, after-school rehearsals, and dynamic performances at football games. Competition days are intense, spanning up to 18 hours, including preliminary and final performances that demand stamina and focus.
Rigorous Judging Standards
Competitions like OSSAA, Stallion Battalion, and OBA require bands to meet stringent criteria. While OSSAA focuses on marching and musical cohesion, events like OBA also evaluate individual performances, show design, musical composition, theme, choreography, and execution. A key scoring element, known as “General Effect,” emphasizes the visual and emotional impact of the performance.
Community Pride
The Claremore High School Marching Band’s achievements bring pride to the school and inspire the entire Claremore community.
“This season has been about more than just awards,” said Acord. “It’s about teaching our students the value of grit, teamwork, and striving for excellence in everything they do.”
Congratulations to the Claremore High School Marching Band for an extraordinary season. Spring band is in full swing and we look forward to celebrating continued success! Your dedication and passion make it indeed A Great Day to Be a Zebra.