Marching Eagles Head To St. Louis After Successful Start To Season

     Beyond the cheers from the stands at Friday night football games at Moody Murray stadium, the sound of Grain Valley’s award-winning Marching Eagles echo through town. The Marching Eagles began their own competition season last weekend and are poised for another successful run with a show focused on the moments that shape the band members.
     “This year's show is entitled "Moment" and is very centered around the lives our students. We asked them to think about moments in their lives that have shaped them, challenged them, or a moment they will never forget. We then took their comments and created the show around several concepts: Moments that Shape Us, Moments that Change Us, Moments That Challenge Us, Moments We Experience Alone, Moments that Bring Us Together, and Moments of Triumph and Victory. The musical selections are tied together by recordings of our students narrating their "moment" throughout the show,” Director of Bands Daniel Berard said.
     The Marching Eagles started the competition season strong with a first place win at the Blue Springs High School Golden Regiment Invitational on October 5th. The band was also recognized for Outstanding Visual. 
     “It was our first competitive performance of the season, so it was great to see how the students stepped up their focus and professionalism, dealing with the nerves and the delays due to weather in a really positive way.  They came out of the gate and gave two really solid performances and set up the rest of the season on a solid foundation,” Berard said.
     Up next for the Marching Eagles is a trip to St. Louis to compete in the Bands of America (BOA) St. Louis Super Regional contest on October 18th and 19th, followed by a trip to the BOA Indianapolis Super Regional contest October 25th and 26th.
     An army of parent volunteers supports band members throughout the season through the Band Parents Association. Support from the community is always welcome, and opportunities to be involved as a donor and volunteer can be found at www.gvbpa.net.