The Southeast Bulloch High School “Swarm” marching band set another school record this past Saturday when the squad came home from the Tenth Annual “Heart of Georgia Marching Band Competition” with dozen more trophies. The biggest prize at the event held in Warner Robins was the “Second Runner Up Regardless of Class” Trophy, which meant the Swarm was judged better than 23 of the 26 bands in attendance.
It was a strong showing, considering the Heart of Georgia competition is the biggest of the year for the largest bands in the state – 5A: 101 or more band members; 4A with between 80 and 100 members; and 3A, with between 61 and 80 members. One band had 195 members. Also in attendance were some of the best 1A and 2A bands, like Southeast Bulloch, which is 2A.
Right in the thick of things was Southeast Bulloch’s “Swarm” with its 55 members. Also competing from the region were Statesboro High (Class 3A) and South Effingham (Class 4A) bands. During the “Swarm’s” performance, the crowd estimated at several thousand were on their feet repeatedly to show appreciation for the performance.
After the last performance, all of the bands leaders lined up on the field to hear the judges' scores. When it came to Class 2A awards, the “Swarm” earned straight “Superior” ratings (the highest ranking) for all segments of the performance, and for the overall band. Also, the band took home the Best Overall in Class 2A award.
Once the Class 5A awards had been given, the Best Overall Trophies were announced: The Swarm’s Dance line took 3rd Best Overall, Regardless of Class” trophy, beating dance lines more than twice their size.
Finally, there were only the three top trophies left. As the announcer called out "Second Runner Up is South...” he then unexpectedly stopped and leaned over to confer with the other officials.
It turned out he was not sure how to pronounce “Bulloch,” so he asked for help. After a few torturous moments for both South Effingham and Southeast Bulloch (the only two “South” bands in the competition) he grabbed the mike and finished his sentence with the words “Southeast Bulloch.”
The announcement confirmed that a Class 2A band had just outscored bands four times its size. Happy chaos erupted when the “Swarm” ran across the field to claim the biggest trophy the band has ever won.
SEB band director Matt Olsen said earlier that his wish was that they would win 2nd Runner Up Overall. Saturday, when he realized what had happened, he stared in astonishment, and then started shouting “Yes!” repeatedly.
It was a strong showing, considering the Heart of Georgia competition is the biggest of the year for the largest bands in the state – 5A: 101 or more band members; 4A with between 80 and 100 members; and 3A, with between 61 and 80 members. One band had 195 members. Also in attendance were some of the best 1A and 2A bands, like Southeast Bulloch, which is 2A.
Right in the thick of things was Southeast Bulloch’s “Swarm” with its 55 members. Also competing from the region were Statesboro High (Class 3A) and South Effingham (Class 4A) bands. During the “Swarm’s” performance, the crowd estimated at several thousand were on their feet repeatedly to show appreciation for the performance.
After the last performance, all of the bands leaders lined up on the field to hear the judges' scores. When it came to Class 2A awards, the “Swarm” earned straight “Superior” ratings (the highest ranking) for all segments of the performance, and for the overall band. Also, the band took home the Best Overall in Class 2A award.
Once the Class 5A awards had been given, the Best Overall Trophies were announced: The Swarm’s Dance line took 3rd Best Overall, Regardless of Class” trophy, beating dance lines more than twice their size.
Finally, there were only the three top trophies left. As the announcer called out "Second Runner Up is South...” he then unexpectedly stopped and leaned over to confer with the other officials.
It turned out he was not sure how to pronounce “Bulloch,” so he asked for help. After a few torturous moments for both South Effingham and Southeast Bulloch (the only two “South” bands in the competition) he grabbed the mike and finished his sentence with the words “Southeast Bulloch.”
The announcement confirmed that a Class 2A band had just outscored bands four times its size. Happy chaos erupted when the “Swarm” ran across the field to claim the biggest trophy the band has ever won.
SEB band director Matt Olsen said earlier that his wish was that they would win 2nd Runner Up Overall. Saturday, when he realized what had happened, he stared in astonishment, and then started shouting “Yes!” repeatedly.