Both the Blue Springs High School Golden Regiment and Blue Springs South High School Jaguar Pride marching bands had historic 2023 seasons. But in the midst of all the performances and competitions, the most memorable event of the year might be the one that included popsicles – and a historic combined performance.
Last spring, the Golden Regiment had scheduled an exhibition performance at the Kansas City Championships held at Blue Springs South High School. That idea grew when Jaguar Pride Director Kenny Hansen and Golden Regiment Director Dr. Tim Allshouse talked about a joint performance at that competition – a chance to bring the bands together for the camaraderie and musicality benefit.
The song “September” by Earth, Wind and Fire was chosen and each band worked on the music separately, gearing up for the combined effort. Unfortunately, rain washed out the Kansas City Championships, and the performance was canceled – until the next week.
With a 30-minute joint rehearsal on the day of the event finished by handing out popsicles, the Jaguar Pride and Golden Regiment readied to perform together at the Golden Regiment Invitational. In the evening, after all the visiting bands had competed, the two bands played together for the first time since the 2002 homecoming game, for a combined Jaguar and Wildcat crowd.
“Often musicians can feel isolated in their own schools because it is a unique pathway,” Tim Allshouse said. “Jaguar Pride Director Kenny Hansen and I enjoyed putting the bands together not only for the great music, but for the connections the students could have across town with other teenagers that are doing the same activity. We truly are one community. We are South’s biggest supporters, and they are ours. It is so fun to share our love of band with each other and the community.”
Hansen said the real winners were those in attendance. “This was a great win for all the students, staff, and community to once again join together.”
Golden Regiment tuba player Oliver Kellermeyer added, “It was really fun to make music with other tuba players and to meet other kids from Blue Springs that are as passionate about band as we are.”
Jaguar Pride percussion captain Genely Gordon added, “It made my senior season a lot more enjoyable getting to play alongside new and old friends. I am thankful to both directors for giving us the opportunity to have fun playing alongside each other and reminding us that music is fun and doesn't have to be competitive all of the time.”
The National Champion Golden Regiment Marching Band finished first place at the Grand National Bands of America Championships in the AAA division and fourth overall. The GR was the only non-AAAA team to make finals and swept the AAA caption awards, including Outstanding General Effect, Outstanding Visual, and Outstanding Music. The ensemble competed rigorously during the competition to take home this prestigious ranking after taking first place at the St. Louis BOA Super Regional Championship two weekends prior.
The Jaguar Pride ended its impressive season by earning Grand Champion at the Bentonville Marching Invitational, first place at the GR Invitational (Class C), and fourth place, their best-ever finish, at the Renegade Review (Tulsa, OK).