Great Bend High School Director of Bands Ellie White has led the Panther Pride Marching Band down a yellow brick road of success this season in her first year at GBHS. The band earned multiple accolades this week at the Western Athletic Conference Marching Band Competition at Garden City.

Even before the first day of school, students attended band camp to learn the halftime show they would do at all hometown football games. Its theme is “The Wizard of Oz.” Working with White on field formation drills were two other new music directors at USD 428: Great Bend Middle School Band Director Alejandra Cornelio and GBHS Orchestra Director Mark Ahlman.

Kayleen Weber, a proud band mom, shared information after Tuesday’s performance.

“We were definitely the smallest band at WAC yesterday (Hays, Garden, Dodge. Liberal, GB),” she wrote in an email. “Yet GB was the only band to earn superior ratings in all five judging categories, a feat our band has not accomplished for some time. Great Bend is hosting the WAC Marching contest next year, and the opportunity for our band program to grow and shine is highly valued and anticipated!”

Weber said the showmanship has been a testament to the power of connection with students, hard work, and the influence of committed teachers for their students’ success. At each of the competitions they attended this marching season, the band has received “superior” ratings – the top possible score. In addition to the WAC event, the band competed at the Kansas State Fair, Central Plains Marching Festival and High Plains Marching Festival.

“To say the students are excited is an understatement,” Weber said. “Just ask our drum major, (Aaron Ramirez) who was lifted up on the shoulders of his band that loves him in the parking lot (Tuesday) night, celebrating a well-earned top score. Seniors in tears at their last competition, teachers overwhelmed at their students' success, freshman parents in awe of what band can be. 

“We still have our senior night football game to play for, playoffs, fall concert, and much more to come for our band this year.

“We have a very valuable key asset in our new band teachers, Ellie White and Alejandra Cornelio. Our small town is blessed to have them, and they have earned a front page shout out from all of us.”