For the first time in DHS history, the Derby Panther Marching Band did not make it to finals at the Kansas Bandmasters Association Marching Competition (KBA).

The top 12 bands make it to finals after their first performance. Derby’s afternoon performance score was a 70.43 out of 100, ending in 13th place. The band was 0.82 points away from making it to finals.

After announcements, many were devastated, including seniors who knew it was their last performance of the season.  

“It’s a sad way to end my high school career, but it sums up the roller coaster of my band experience, and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” senior Hannah Berk said.

During the performance, the judges record their thoughts on the show over tapes to give feedback to the band. This feedback could be good things or areas for improvement.

One comment was that the battery was too loud compared to the ensemble. Another about how they were confused how the show tied into the theme “Disappear.” Their confusion could have been cleared up if they had not missed the main disappearance act in the beginning of the show.

Not going to finals and hearing the feedback has motivated students to work during offseason concert band musically. Many are already excited for next year’s marching season.