All three of Warren Central High School’s Big Blue bands have received the highest possible rating in state testing, and that’s a first for the current band director.

Allen Arendale, who has led WC’s band program since 2000, said never in his memory have all three groups — wind ensemble, symphonic and concert — received superior ratings at the same time at the Mississippi High School Activities State Band Festival. This year’s event was in Pearl.

“They all did a fantastic job,” said Arendale.

The festival is an annual evaluation of high school bands across the state and is the equivalent of an academic test, said Arendale. The judges award points based on tone and performance quality. Each group performs in a concert setting and in a sight-reading session with music the students have never seen before. The musicians are given a few minutes to look over the music before performing.

The wind ensemble was directed by Arendale, the symphonic by Chad Austin and the concert band by Jason Alford. The groups began preparing for the festival about two months in advance.

“There’s a criteria that we use,” Arendale said. “We pick music that is appropriate for ability level.”

The students rehearse during their morning class and for an hour after school each day. Students are also required to practice at home. Melynn Arendale and Andrew Bonner, assistant band directors, helped prepare the band by teaching small group and individual classes.

The entire band, made up of 160 freshman through seniors, received a plaque and all students received medals. They will be  recognized at a band banquet May 9 at Beechwood Elementary School.

Currently, the band is getting ready for the fall marching season.

“It’s a never-ending cycle,” said Arendale.

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Contact Manivanh Chanprasith at mchanprasith@vicksburgpost.com