RHS band makes noise in competition

RHS Marching Band members Nick Householder (trombone), Mason McCluskey (bass drums), and Hayden McCluskey (trumpet) perform during half-time at a recent Cougars football game. Last week, the band received its highest marks in competition, with plans to compete twice more this month.

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As band director Craig Wadley continues his efforts to strengthen the Rector band, the hard work put forth by both he and the band members can be seen. Rector finished with an impressive Division 2, or Excellent, rating. This marked the first time the band has received such a score in recent memory.

Drum major Neeley Sims earned a Division 1, or Superior, rating in the Color Guard category. Sims' rating is the highest awarded at the event.

"It's an ongoing process," Wadley said of rebuilding the band program. "We're taking steps in the right direction. We've still got a lot of work to do to the level I want to see us performing. Still, I'm proud of the hard work we've done and the improvements that are coming along with it."

Wadley said the band's efforts are being noticed by others outside the Rector program.

"I've had several area band directors come up to me the past few years and tell me how much we've improved. Those are the kinds of comments that you like to hear about a program like ours."

The band has more events planned. They will be taking part in the Redskin Classic at Pocahontas at 2 p.m. this Saturday. Rector will also take part in the annual Arkansas Open Marching Band Competition at Arkansas State University on Oct. 31.

"We're going to keep working hard. I think the kids had some initial shyness about getting back into competitions. Now that they've shown improvement and are a little more comfortable with the idea, they're excited about competing again in the future. They want to continue to improve and help build this program."