Pioneer Marching Band Places 3rd at OBA State Championships

BROKEN ARROW, Okla. – The Stillwater High School Pioneer Marching Band concluded its competitive season on Saturday, capturing third place in Class 6A2 at the Oklahoma Bandmasters Association Class 6A State Championships hosted by Broken Arrow High School.

Stillwater’s show, entitled, “Bach in the Saddle,” scored a 78.45 in preliminary competition, when bands compete for placement in either Class 6A1 or Class 6A2. The top 12 bands, regardless of class, compete in finals competition, which the Pioneers just missed out on qualifying for this year.

*Members of the Pioneer Marching Band pose prior to performing, "Bach in the Saddle" for the final time this season at the Oklahoma Bandmaster Association State Championships. – Provided*

“I am incredibly proud of our students and how this show came together,” said Stillwater Public Schools Director of Bands, Kevin Zamborsky. “OBA is a very challenging competition. Several of the bands here are regular finalists or champions at Bands of America competitions across the country, and our students took on the challenge and gave their best performance of the season today.”

Southmoore High School took home the Class 6A2 state championships, while Broken Arrow High School was named champions of Class 6A1 and the overall competition.

While disappointed not to earn a spot in finals competition, the Pioneer Marching Band’s score on Saturday was its highest of the season, which saw the band earn finalist honors in three of four competitions this year.

“The growth of the band and this show just in the last few weeks has been incredible and fun to be a part of,” Zamborsky added. “Our students gained a lot of experience that will be beneficial for the future of our program for many years to come.”

*Stephan Zhang performs a violin solo as the Pioneer Marching Band competes at the Oklahoma Bandmaster Association State Championships. – Provided*

While contest season wrapped up for the Pioneers on Saturday, the Pioneer Marching Band has two remaining performances this season. On Friday, Nov. 7, the band will perform at halftime when Stillwater football takes on Southmoore, and the marching band’s final appearance will be at the Downtown Stillwater Parade of Lights on December 4.

At halftime of Friday’s game, the band will honor its 28 senior members after a shortened performance of “Bach in the Saddle.”

“We had a young marching band this year with a large incoming class of freshmen, and when you have nearly 200 students between band and color guard, it’s vital that leadership not only comes from the directors and staff, but also your seniors,” Zamborsky added. “This group stepped up to that challenge, and I am very proud of them and hope we have a large crowd on Friday to show our appreciation.

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The Pioneer Marching Band is a regular finalist in state and regional marching competitions. Stillwater is the reigning bronze medalist at the Oklahoma Bandmasters Association state championship and the Class 6A2 State Academic Champion.

The band is under the direction of Kevin Zamborsky, Sean Gartner, Tricia Bailey-Bovenschen, Megan Perkins, Katie Genevro, and color guard director Darin Williams. Learn more about the Stillwater Public School Band Program at stillwaterbands.org.

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