M-CHS band wins regional event

Marching Panthers record second-highest 2A score in state this year
The Montezuma-Cortez High School band performs earlier this year at Panther Field. The band qualified for state by winning the regional tournament in Grand Junction.

The lines were straight, the color guard was on point, and most importantly, the music was beautiful.

Competing at the West Regional competition Thursday, Oct. 17, the Montezuma-Cortez High School marching band performed admirably, finishing first overall among 2A schools in the competition.

Overall, the band scored a 59.4, which represented the second highest score by a 2A school in the state this season behind D’Evelyn’s score of 60.95.

“I thought the performance was really good,” said M-CHS band director Rodney Ritthaler. “We improved tremendously from our very first competition.”

Up next for the M-CHS marching band is the state competition, scheduled for Monday, Oct. 28.

“My goal is to have our best performance of the year,” said Ritthaler of his goals for the state competition. “If you play it well and things go well, things will fall as they may.”

Shortly after their state competition, the M-CHS band will perform a community appreciation concert Wednesday, Oct. 30. The concert will take place at 6 p.m. at the Panther Stadium football field. Community members are encouraged to attend.

imaclaren@cortezjournal.com