The De Soto High School band recently participated in the KSHSAA State Large group Festival at Spring Hill High School on April 13.

The Concert and Symphonic bands both competed at the festival in hopes for receiving a superior rating, or a I.

Many band members, including sophomore Alyssa Wernimont and junior Lucas Johnson, were excited for the competition.

“I was nervous but also excited for playing. I think we were ready and did a good job,” Wernimont said.

Johnson agreed with Wernimont about the competition.

“I was really hype for the competition because I think it is really fun to perform. I had gotten new music on the day of the festival, but I knew it would go well,” Johnson said.

In order to prepare for the festival, students practiced many hours to sound their best when the day came.

“Personally, I thought we would do just fine. We had been practicing really hard, so I thought that getting a I rating would be capable,” junior David Apple said. “We just played how we had been practicing.”

According to band director Matt Bradford, both bands did the best they could at the festival.

“Both bands performed well and I am proud of both of them,” Bradford said.

The DHS Concert band received a II rating and Symphonic received a I rating.

Even though only one of the DHS bands received a I rating, both bands are aspiring to work hard to receive a I rating for when the competition comes around next year.