From Sunday's Statesman-Journal

West Salem captures win at band event
JUSTIN MUCH
Statesman Journal

October 21, 2007

A few years ago, a driving rain like Saturday morning's might have intimidated the hundreds of high school band members and event coordinators who took part in the Pacific Coast Invitational marching band competition.

But last year's venue change to McCulloch Stadium -- away from host Sprague High School's sodden mud pits -- allowed nine competing bands at the 26th annual PCI event to focus on one thing: performance.

The West Salem Titans certainly were focused, marching away with top honors Saturday night.

During the day, Bush's Pasture Park's north parking lot resembled a damp bivouac, where meals and respites were available to the four out-of-town bands: Eugene's Sheldon and Willamette high schools, and Canby and Tigard high schools. But the integrity of McCulloch field, its covered stadium seats and even some timely cooperation from the weather proved to be good fortune for all.

"You know, this is probably the hardest rain we've had at the beginning of a PCI in the nine years since I've been involved with it," event announcer and former Sprague High School band booster president Kevin Alano said. "But you know, everything always seems to work out, and it looks like the weather is going to hold for the finals."

After strong preliminary performances, finals were on a lot of minds. The finals opening ceremony began with a cool snap to the air, but rain wasn't a part of it. West Salem led off the finals at 6:30 p.m. with great expectations.

"We want to come out here and do even better in the finals," West Salem High School senior drum major Callie Harris said. "It's amazing how much you can improve from prelims to finals."

West Salem's 81 points in the open division was the highest preliminary score, and according to the band's leaders, it was the school's best performance of the year. Competing in the AA ranks, South Salem's 78.70 score was the second-highest prelim.

The South Salem band marched to and from the stadium, and the walk didn't seem to be a burden.

"It's nice that we don't have to (board) buses to get there," said Saxon junior drum major Hayley Serres. "I think we got our energy going walking to the park, and then we really got it going with the first step on the field."

Serres predicted a good final. "I think all of the bands definitely get a lot better for the finals," she said.