JAMA

2005 JAMA Marching Festival - Blue Springs, MO

Odessa Band of Distinction Finishes Season On A High Note

On Saturday, October 29, the Odessa High School Band of Distinction competed at the Judges Association of Mid-America (JAMA) Regional Championship in Blue Springs. The band received first place in their division 4 class as well as first overall in the competition. Odessa also received awards for Outstanding Visual Effect, and Outstanding General Effect. Visual and General effect watches the entire band and evaluates how well the program is designed in areas of pacing as well as how well the band brings the program to life.

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In addition, they also took home the caption award for Outstanding Auxiliary on the field. This award is especially significant as it marks a milestone for the seniors in the guard. With this award, the color guard has been undefeated in Auxiliary competition for their four years at Odessa High School.

The competition, held at Blue Springs South High School, included high school bands from across Missouri, such as Truman, Blue Springs South, Raytown, Willard, Troy and Nixa. The band is directed by Ken Hansen and assistant director Kirby Spayde, with assistance from Kim Kras and Chris Putnam. The Color Guard is under the direction of Lindsay Hansen.

The band's program, Chase For Excellence, features the music of trumpeter Bill Chase. The field show includes solos by multiple members of the Band of Distinction.

This event concludes the Band of Distinction's competitive marching season. Band members will begin working on their music for their holiday concert on December 12, as well as preparing for the District Band auditions on November 12.

Photos courtesy of Valerie Pennington.

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