Koch, Michael -- Band

BMS Band History

1987-1988

Directors: Georgene Diers & L. Dean Maxwell

Class Size:

  6^th Grade Band – 55 members

  7^th Grade Band – 66 members

  8^th Grade Band – 59 members

1988-1989

Directors: Georgene Diers & L. Dean Maxwell

Class Size:

  6^th Grade Band – 68 members

  7^th Grade Band – 52 members

  8^th Grade Band – 57 members

Awards:

Monday, May 1, 1989 – The Scottsbluff Junior High/Middle School Band was the recipient of the John Philip Sousa Foundation coveted “SUDLER SILVER CUP AWARD” for 1988. The Scottsbluff Band was the only Junior High/Middle School Band selected from the entire United States to receive this honor.

The Sudler Cup is the Nation’s most prestigious award for Junior High/Middle School Bands. It identifies, recognizes and honors outstanding Junior High/Middle School Concert Band programs that have demonstrated particularly high standards of excellence in concert activities over a period of seven or more years.

Presentation of the award was made by Gladys Stone Wright, one of our Nation’s most significant band directors, music educators, and pioneers of women in the field of band music.

1989-1990

Directors: Georgene Diers & L. Dean Maxwell

Class Size:

  6^th Grade Band – 70 members

  7^th Grade Band – 70 member

  8^th Grade Band – 46 members

Activities/Awards:

• Colorado State University Band Day Parade – 3^rd Place
  
  Director, L. Dean Maxwell, received the Donald Lentz Outstanding Bandmaster Award from the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association.

1990-1991

Directors: Georgene Diers & L. Dean Maxwell

Class Size:

  6^th Grade Band – 71 members

  7^th Grade Band – 65 members

  8^th Grade Band – 62 members

Activities/Awards:

• Old West Weekend Parade Competition – SUPERIOR Rating
  
  Director, Georgene Diers, retired in 1991 after teaching 43 years and in 6 decades in the Scottsbluff Public Schools.
  
  Directors, Georgene Diers and L. Dean Maxwell TEAM-taught for 22 years. (1969-1991)

1991-1992

Directors: L. Dean Maxwell & Randy Raines

Class Size:

  6^th Grade Band – 79 member

  7^th Grade Band – 70 members

  8^th Grade Band – 65 members

Activities/Awards:

• Old West Weekend Parade Competition – SUPERIOR Rating

1992-1993

Directors: L. Dean Maxwell & Randy Raines

Class Size:

  6^th Grade Band – 82 members

  7^th Grade Band – 79 members

  8^th Grade Band – 72 members

Activities/Awards:

• Old West Weekend Parade Competition – SUPERIOR Rating

1993-1994

Directors: L. Dean Maxwell & Randy Raines

Class Size:

  6^th Grade Band – 83 members

  7^th Grade Band – 83 members

  8^th Grade Band – 76 members

Activities/Awards:

• Old West Weekend Parade Competition – SUPERIOR Rating

1994-1995

Directors: L. Dean Maxwell & Steven J. Miller

Class Size:

  6^th Grade Band – 76 members

  7^th Grade Band – 80 members

  8^th Grade Band – 73 members

Activities/Awards:

• Old West Weekend Parade Competition – SUPERIOR Rating

1995-1996

Directors: L. Dean Maxwell & Steven J. Miller

Class Size:

  6^th Grade Band – 74 members

  7^th Grade Band – 70 members

  8^th Grade Band – 76 members

Activities/Awards:

• Old West Weekend Parade Competition – SUPERIOR Rating

1996-1997

Directors: L. Dean Maxwell & Steven J. Miller

Class Size:

  6^th Grade Band – 61 members

  7^th Grade Band – 77 members

  8^th Grade Band – 66 members

Activities/Awards:

• Old West Weekend Parade Competition – SUPERIOR Rating

1997-1998

Directors: L. Dean Maxwell & Steven J. Miller

Class Size:

  6^th Grade Band – 65 members

  7^th Grade Band – 61 members

  8^th Grade Band – 66 members

Activities/Awards:

• Old West Weekend Parade Competition – SUPERIOR Rating
  
  Director, L. Dean Maxwell, retired in 1998 after teaching 29 years and in 4 decades in the Scottsbluff Public Schools.

1998-1999

Directors: Michael A. Koch & Steven J. Miller

Class Size:

  6^th Grade Band – 48 members

  7^th Grade Band – 63 members

  8^th Grade Band – 44 members

Activities/Awards:

• Old West Weekend Parade Competition –
  7^th Grade Marching Band – EXCELLENT Rating
  8^th Grade Marching Band – SUPERIOR Rating
• Veterans Day Parade (8^th Grade Marching Band)

1999-2000

Directors: Michael A. Koch & Steven J. Miller

Class Size:

  6^th Grade Band – 53 members

  7^th Grade Band – 39 members

  8^th Grade Band – 61 members

Activities/Awards:

• Old West Weekend Parade Competition – 8^th Grade Marching Band – SUPERIOR Rating
• Veterans Day Parade (8^th Grade Marching Band)
• N.S.B.A. Guest Band for Bandmasters Convention (8^th Grade Concert Band)

2000-2001

Directors: Michael A. Koch & Steven J. Miller

Class Size:

  6^th Grade Band – 65 members

  7^th Grade Band – 54 members

  8^th Grade Band – 39 members

Activities/Awards:

• Scottsbluff Centennial Parade (7^th & 8^th Grade Summer Bands Combined)
• Old West Weekend Parade Competition – 7^th & 8^th Grade Marching Band (90 members) – SUPERIOR Rating

2001-2002

Directors: Michael A. Koch & Debra K. Koch

Class Size:

  6^th Grade Band – 73 members

  7^th Grade Band – 61 members

  8^th Grade Band – 41 members

Activities/Awards:

• Sidney Oktoberfest Parade Competition – 7^th & 8^th Grade Marching Band (103 members) – SUPERIOR Rating
• Old West Weekend Parade Competition – 7^th & 8^th Grade Marching Band (103 members) – SUPERIOR Rating
• N.S.B.A. 8^th Grade All-State Band – Student selected: Tara Simpson (1^st Chair Clarinet)

2002-2003

Directors: Michael A. Koch & Francis J. Ibero

Class Size:

  6^th Grade Band – 81 members

  7^th Grade Band – 64 members

  8^th Grade Band – 56 members

Activities/Awards:

• Old West Weekend Parade Competition – 7^th & 8^th Grade Marching Band (122 members) – SUPERIOR Rating
• Veterans Day Parade – 7^th & 8^th Grade Marching Band (122 members)
• N.M.E.A. Guest Band for All-State Convention (8^th Grade Concert Band)
• N.S.B.A. 8^th Grade All-State Band – Students selected: Nick Brening (Percussion) and John Cantril (Trumpet)
  
  Director, Michael A. Koch, received the Outstanding Teacher award from the Scottsbluff Jaycees and a Citation of Excellence from the National Band Association.

2003-2004

Directors: Michael A. Koch & Francis J. Ibero

Class Size:

  6^th Grade Band – 56 members

  7^th Grade Band – 72 members

  8^th Grade Band – 60 members

Activities/Awards:

• Old West Weekend Parade Competition – 7^th & 8^th Grade Marching Band (130 members) – SUPERIOR Rating
• Veterans Day Parade – 7^th & 8^th Grade Marching Band (131 members)
• N.S.B.A. 8^th Grade All-State Band – Student selected: Brooke Brown (2^nd Chair Clarinet)

2004-2005

Directors: Michael A. Koch & Francis J. Ibero

Class Size:

  6^th Grade Band – 59 members

  7^th Grade Band – 49 members

  8^th Grade Band – 52 members

Activities/Awards:

• Old West Weekend Parade Competition – 7^th & 8^th Grade Marching Band (100 members) – SUPERIOR Rating
• Veterans Day Parade – 7^th & 8^th Grade Marching Band (100 members)
• N.S.B.A. 8^th Grade All-State Band – Students selected: Zachary Durbin (Bass Clarinet), Breanna Elley (Clarinet), and Justin Vogel (Trumpet)
• Western Nebraska Middle Level Instrumental Music Contest –
• Solos -

6^th Grade 17 – SUPERIOR   5 – EXCELLENT
7^th Grade 19 – SUPERIOR   7 – EXCELLENT
8^th Grade 9 – SUPERIOR 1 – EXCELLENT 

• Large Ensembles - 

6^th Grade Concert Band   SUPERIOR
7^th Grade Concert Band   SUPERIOR
8^th Grade Concert Band    SUPERIOR

• Music In The Parks Festival – 8^th Grade Concert Band – 1^st Place Class A (SUPERIOR)

2005-2006

Directors: Michael A. Koch & Francis J. Ibero

Class Size:

  6^th Grade Band – 58 members

  7^th Grade Band – 46 members

  8^th Grade Band – 46 members

Activities/Awards:

• Old West Weekend Parade Competition – 7^th & 8^th Grade Marching Band (92 members) – SUPERIOR Rating
• Veterans Day Parade – 7^th & 8^th Grade Marching Band (92 members)
• N.M.E.A. “Demonstration Group” for All-State Convention (8^th Grade Concert Band)
• N.S.B.A. 8^th Grade All-State Band – Students selected: Shane Feuz (Trumpet) and Faith Hovey (Clarinet)
• Western Nebraska Middle Level Instrumental Music Contest –
• Solos -

6^th Grade 30 – SUPERIOR   4 – EXCELLENT
7^th Grade 22 – SUPERIOR   5 – EXCELLENT
8^th Grade 17 – SUPERIOR   7 – EXCELLENT

• Small Ensembles -

Percussion Ensemble   SUPERIOR 

• Large Ensembles -

6^th Grade Concert Band   SUPERIOR
7^th Grade Concert Band   SUPERIOR
8^th Grade Concert Band    SUPERIOR

• Music In The Parks Festival – 8^th Grade Concert Band – 3^rd Place Class A

2006-2007

Directors: Michael A. Koch & Francis J. Ibero

Class Size:

  6^th Grade Band – 57 members

  7^th Grade Band – 44 members

  8^th Grade Band – 39 members

Activities/Awards:

• Old West Weekend Parade Competition – 7^th & 8^th Grade Marching Band (83 members) – SUPERIOR Rating
• N.S.B.A. 8^th Grade All-State Band – Students selected: Allie Brisco (Trombone), Sara Frederick (1^st Chair Mallet Percussion), Devon Marr ( 1^st Chair Tuba), and Karin Shedd (Trombone)
• Western Nebraska Middle Level Instrumental Music Contest –
• Solos -

6^th Grade 25 – SUPERIOR   2 – EXCELLENT
7^th Grade 22 – SUPERIOR   2 – EXCELLENT
8^th Grade 12 – SUPERIOR   4 – EXCELLENT

• Small Ensembles -

Percussion Ensemble   SUPERIOR

• Large Ensembles -

6^th Grade Concert Band   SUPERIOR
7^th Grade Concert Band   SUPERIOR
8^th Grade Concert Band    SUPERIOR

• Music In The Parks Festival – 8^th Grade Concert Band – 1st Place Class A (SUPERIOR) and Best Overall Junior High/Middle School Concert Band

2007-2008

Directors: Michael A. Koch & Francis J. Ibero

Class Size:

  6^th Grade Band – 43 members

  7^th Grade Band – 51 members

  8^th Grade Band – 45 members

Activities/Awards:

• Old West Weekend Parade Competition – 7^th & 8^th Grade Marching Band (95 members) – SUPERIOR Rating
• N.S.B.A. 8^th Grade All-State Band – Students selected: Giles Hovseth (Alto Saxophone), Brooke Newens (Alternate- Trumpet), and Lindsey Schanaman (Flute)
• Western Nebraska Middle Level Instrumental Music Contest –
• Solos -

6^th Grade 14 – SUPERIOR   7 – EXCELLENT
7^th Grade 21 – SUPERIOR   6 – EXCELLENT   1 - GOOD
8^th Grade 11 – SUPERIOR   7 – EXCELLENT   1 - GOOD

• Small Ensembles –

Brass Ensemble   SUPERIOR
Percussion Ensemble   SUPERIOR
Woodwind Ensemble SUPERIOR

• Large Ensembles -

6^th Grade Concert Band   SUPERIOR
7^th Grade Concert Band   SUPERIOR
8^th Grade Concert Band    SUPERIOR

• Music In The Parks Festival – 8^th Grade Concert Band – 1st Place Class A (SUPERIOR) and Best Overall Junior High/Middle School Concert Band

2008-2009

Directors: Michael A. Koch & Francis J. Ibero

Class Size:

  6^th Grade Band – 50 members

  7^th Grade Band – 37 members

  8^th Grade Band – 41 members

Activities/Awards:

• Old West Weekend Parade Competition – 7^th & 8^th Grade Marching Band (76 members) – EXCELLENT Rating
• SHS Homecoming Parade – 7^th & 8^th Grade Marching Band (76 members)
• Veterans Day Parade – 7^th & 8^th Grade Marching Band (76 members)
• N.S.B.A. 8^th Grade All-State Band – Students selected: Charles Belford (Alternate – Baritone), Tyler Mickey (Alternate – Trumpet), Kenneth Shedd (French Horn), and Allison Stricker (Alternate – Clarinet)
• Western Nebraska Middle Level Instrumental Music Contest –
• Solos -

6^th Grade 16 – SUPERIOR   8 – EXCELLENT
7^th Grade 12 – SUPERIOR   2 – EXCELLENT
8^th Grade 12 – SUPERIOR   8– EXCELLENT

• Small Ensembles –

Brass Ensemble   SUPERIOR
Percussion Ensemble   SUPERIOR
Woodwind Ensemble SUPERIOR

• Large Ensembles -

6^th Grade Concert Band   SUPERIOR
7^th Grade Concert Band   SUPERIOR
8^th Grade Concert Band    SUPERIOR

• Music In The Parks Festival – 8^th Grade Concert Band – 2nd Place Class A (SUPERIOR)

In Memoriam … “A Tradition of Excellence”

 Georgene Diers (1926 – 2009)
 

On Wednesday, March 18, 2009 we lost one of Nebraska’s most significant band directors, music educators, and pioneers of women in the field of band music, Georgene Diers.

Mrs. Diers joined the Scottsbluff Public Schools Instrumental Music Faculty in 1948. She remained in Scottsbluff her entire teaching career retiring in 1991 after 43 years and 6 decades in music education.

Throughout her career at Scottsbluff, Mrs. Diers won many awards with her junior high bands, and also served as the assistant director of the senior high bands.

Some career highlights include:

1961 Scottsbluff High Band performed in President John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Parade

1964 Scottsbluff High Band performed at the New York World’s Fair

1968 Scottsbluff High Band performed at the Hemisfare in San Antonio, Texas

1970 Scottsbluff Junior High Band selected to perform for the N.S.B.A. Convention

1972 Scottsbluff Junior High Band selected to perform for the N.S.B.A. Convention

1973 Scottsbluff High Band performed at the Portland Rose Festival

1976 Scottsbluff Junior High Band selected to perform for the N.S.B.A. Convention

1976 Bi-Centennial European Concert Tour

1978 Scottsbluff Junior High Band selected to perform for the N.S.B.A. Convention

1979 European Concert Tour

1980 Georgene Diers received the Donald Lentz Outstanding Bandmaster Award from the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association

1982 European Concert Tour

1983 Scottsbluff Junior High Band selected to perform for the N.S.B.A. Convention

1985 European Concert Tour

1985 Georgene Diers was inducted into the Nebraska Music Educators Hall of Fame

1987 Scottsbluff Junior High Band selected to perform for the N.S.B.A. Convention

1988 Scottsbluff Junior High Band received the John Philip Sousa foundation coveted “Sudler Silver Cup Award”

1989 Georgene Diers was awarded the first “Bandworld Legion of Honor Award”

2009-2010

Directors: Michael A. Koch & Francis J. Ibero

Class Size:

  6^th Grade Band – 57 members

  7^th Grade Band – 54 members

  8^th Grade Band – 36 members

Activities/Awards:

• Old West Weekend Parade Competition – CANCELLED DUE TO POOR WEATHER
• BMS 7^th & 8^th Grade Bands performed in Concert with the “Dallas Brass” on November 2, 2009.
• Veterans Day Parade – 7^th & 8^th Grade Marching Band (88 members)
• N.S.B.A. 8^th Grade All-State Band – Students selected: Tyler McCarthy (Trombone), Sarah Mercer-Smith (2^nd Chair Bass Clarinet), Lance Rice (Alternate – Trumpet), Daniel Schaub (2^nd Chair Trumpet), and Taylor Schneider (Clarinet)
• Western Nebraska Middle Level Instrumental Music Contest –
• Solos -

6^th Grade 18 – SUPERIOR   7 – EXCELLENT
7^th Grade 16 – SUPERIOR   5 – EXCELLENT
8^th Grade 12 – SUPERIOR   3– EXCELLENT

• Small Ensembles –

Brass Ensemble   SUPERIOR
Percussion Ensemble   SUPERIOR

• Large Ensembles -

6^th Grade Concert Band   SUPERIOR
7^th Grade Concert Band   SUPERIOR
8^th Grade Concert Band    SUPERIOR

• Music In The Parks Festival – 8^th Grade Concert Band – 2nd Place Class A (SUPERIOR)

2010-2011

Directors: Michael A. Koch & Francis J. Ibero

Class Size:

  6^th Grade Band – 60 members

  7^th Grade Band – 48 members

  8^th Grade Band – 51 members

Activities/Awards:

• BMS Building Renovation Dedication Ceremony – 7^th & 8^th Grade Bands Combined (99 members)
• SHS Homecoming Parade – 7^th & 8^th Grade Marching Band (99 members)
• Old West Weekend Parade Competition – 7^th & 8^th Grade Marching Band (99 members) – EXCELLENT Rating
• Veterans Day Parade – 7^th & 8^th Grade Marching Band (99 members)
• N.S.B.A. 8^th Grade All-State Band – Students selected: Malachi Belford (Alternate – Tenor Saxophone), Bryce Meier (Alternate – Alto Saxophone), and Matthew Mickey (1^st Chair Trombone)
• Western Nebraska Middle Level Instrumental Music Contest –
• Solos -

6^th Grade 16 – SUPERIOR   6 – EXCELLENT
7^th Grade 16 – SUPERIOR   9 – EXCELLENT   2 - GOOD
8^th Grade 16 – SUPERIOR   9 – EXCELLENT   1 - GOOD

• Small Ensembles –

Brass Ensemble   SUPERIOR
Clarinet/Flute Ensemble SUPERIOR
Saxophone Ensemble SUPERIOR
Percussion Ensemble   SUPERIOR

• Large Ensembles -

6^th Grade Concert Band   SUPERIOR
7^th Grade Concert Band   SUPERIOR
8^th Grade Concert Band    SUPERIOR
7^th & 8^th Jazz Band SUPERIOR

• Music In The Parks Festival – 8^th Grade Concert Band – 1st Place Class A (SUPERIOR), Best Overall Junior High/Middle School Concert Band, and the “Esprit de Corps” Award

2011-2012

Directors: Michael A. Koch and Francis J. Ibero

Class Size:

 6th Grade Band - 68

 7th Grade Band - 51

 8th Grade Band - 49

Activities/Awards:

• SHS Homecoming Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (100 members)
• Old West Weekend Parade Competition - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (100 members) - SUPERIORRating
• Veterans Day Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (99 members)
• N.S.B.A 8th Grade All-State Band - Students Selected: Megan Hayhurst (Flute), Olivia Michael (Trombone), Jared Pilkington (2nd Chair - Mallet Percussion), and Craig Smith (Trumpet)
• Western Nebraska Middle Level Music Contest -
  • Solos -

6th Grade 16 - SUPERIOR 7 - EXCELLENT

7th Grade 18 - SUPERIOR 4 - EXCELLENT

8th Grade 19 - SUPERIOR  10 - EXCELLENT

• Small Ensembles -

Brass Ensemble - SUPERIOR

Percussion Ensemble - SUPERIOR

Woodwind Ensemble - EXCELLENT

• Large Ensembles -

6th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all three judges)

7th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all three judges)

8th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all three judges)

• BMS 7th & 8th Grade Brass Ensemble performed for "Music Education Week at the Capitol" on February 28, 2012.
• Music In The Parks Festival – 8^thGrade Concert Band – 1st Place Class A (SUPERIOR)

2012-2013

Directors: Michael A. Koch and Francis J. Ibero

Class Size:
 6th Grade Band - 79

 7th Grade Band - 60

 8th Grade Band - 43 

Activities/Awards:

•  Forty 7^th & 8^th Grade Band students from BMS performed in Concert with the “Presidio Brass”on September 7, 2012.
• Old West Weekend Parade Competition - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (102 members) - SUPERIOR Rating.
• Veterans Day Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (103 members).
• N.S.B.A 8th Grade All-State Band - Students Selected: Gunnar Buchhammer (Alternate - Tenor Saxophone), Ashleigh Charron (Trumpet), Joshua Hergenreder (Trumpet), Alisha Huynh (1st Chair Flute), Adam Taylor (Baritone), and Abby Tygart (Trumpet).
• Western Nebraska Middle Level Music Contest -
  • Solos:
    • 6th Grade 26 - SUPERIOR and 11 - EXCELLENT
    • 7th Grade 21 - SUPERIOR and 8 - EXCELLENT
    • 8th Grade 19 - SUPERIOR and 2 - EXCELLENT
  • Small Ensembles:
    • Brass Ensemble - SUPERIOR
    • Percussion Ensemble - SUPERIOR
    • Woodwind Ensemble - SUPERIOR
  • Large Ensembles:
    • 6th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all 5 judges)
    • 7th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all 5 judges)
    • 8th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all 5 judges)
• Music In The Parks Festival – 8^th Grade Concert Band – 1st Place Class A (SUPERIOR) and Best Overall Junior High/Middle School Concert Band

Director, Michael A. Koch, received the Career Teacher Award for 25 years of dedicated service to music education in Nebraska from the Nebraska Music Educators Association. 

2013-2014

Directors: Michael A. Koch and Francis J. Ibero

Class Size:
6th Grade Band - 83 members

7th Grade Band - 64 members

8th Grade Band - 50 members

Activities/Awards:

• SHS Homecoming Super Rally performance - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (119 members)
• Old West Weekend Parade Competition - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (119 members) - SUPERIOR Rating.
• Veterans Day Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (116 members)
• N.M.E.A. "Demonstration Group" for All-State Convention (8th Grade Concert Band)
• N.S.B.A. 8th Grade All-State Band - Students Selected: Hailey Franklin (Alternate - Bass Clarinet), Uriah Mata (1st Chair - Trombone), Sam McCaslin (Percussion), and Jackson Ronne (Trombone).
• Western Nebraska Middle Level Music Contest -
  • Solos:
    • 6th Grade 24 - SUPERIOR and 8 - EXCELLENT
    • 7th Grade 21 - SUPERIOR and 7 - EXCELLENT
    • 8th Grade 16 - SUPERIOR and 1 - EXCELLENT
  • Small Ensembles:
    • Brass Ensemble - SUPERIOR
    • Percussion Ensemble - SUPERIOR
    • Woodwind Ensemble - SUPERIOR
  • Large Ensembles:
    • 6th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR
    • 7th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR
    • 8th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR
• Music In The Parks Festival – 8^th Grade Concert Band – 1st Place Class A (SUPERIOR), Best Overall Junior High/Middle School Concert Band, and the “Esprit de Corps” Award 

Director, Michael A. Koch, received the 2013 NMEA Music Educator of the Year Award from the Nebraska Music Educators Association.

2014-2015

Directors: Michael A. Koch and Francis J. Ibero

Class Size:
6th Grade Band - 78 members

7th Grade Band - 64 members

8th Grade Band - 55 members 

Activities/Awards:

• SHS Homecoming Parade & Super Rally - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (129 members)
• Old West Weekend Parade Competition - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (118 members)  - SUPERIOR Rating.
• Veterans Day Parade – CANCELLED DUE TO POOR WEATHER (below zero temps.)
• N.S.B.A. 8th Grade All-State Band - Students Selected: Brayden Gonzales (1st Chair -  Bass Clarinet), Morgan Mickey (Trombone), Kathryn Phillips (Clarinet), and Catherine Wisniewski (Trumpet).
• Western Nebraska Middle Level Music Contest -
  • Solos:
    • 6th Grade 27 - SUPERIOR, 4 - EXCELLENT, and 1 - GOOD
    • 7th Grade 19 - SUPERIOR and 5 - EXCELLENT
    • 8th Grade 19 - SUPERIOR and 11 - EXCELLENT
  • Small Ensemble:
    • Woodwind Ensemble - SUPERIOR
  • Large Ensembles:
    • 6th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR
    • 7th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR
    • 8th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR

• 197  Sixth, Seventh, & Eighth Grade Band students from BMS participated in an "Artist in Residence" Day with composer, Darryl Johnson II on April 22, 2015. 
• Music In The Parks Festival – 8^th Grade Concert Band – 2nd Place Class A (SUPERIOR) and the “Esprit de Corps” Award

2015-2016

Directors: Michael A. Koch and Francis J. Ibero

Assistant Director: Debra K. Koch

Class Size:
6th Grade Band -  56 members

7th Grade Band - 77 members

8th Grade Band - 58 members

Activties/Awards: 

• • Old West Weekend Parade Competition - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (136 members) - SUPERIOR Rating and tied with the Gering HS Band for the "Class Act" Award.
  • Veterans Day Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (133 members)
  • N.S.B.A. 8th Grade All-State Band - Students selected: McCinsey Baum (Alternate-Alto Saxophone), Kamden McGrew (2nd Chair-Trombone), Katherine Reisig (Percussion), and Brisa Rios (Alternate-Flute).
  • N.S.B.A. Guest Band for Bandmasters Convention (8th Grade Concert Band)
  • Western Nebraska Middle Level Music Contest -
    • Solos:
      • 6th Grade     24-SUPERIOR     7-EXCELLENT     1-GOOD
      • 7th Grade     33-SUPERIOR     5-EXCELLENT
      • 8th Grade     28-SUPERIOR     7-EXCELLENT
    • Large Ensembles:
      • 6th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all three judges)
      • 7th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all three judges)
      • 8th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all three judges)
  • Music in the Parks Festival - 8th Grade Concert Band - 1st Place Class A (SUPERIOR), Best Overall Jr. High/Middle School Concert Band, and the "Esprit de Corps" Award.

2016-2017

Directors: Michael A. Koch and Francis J. Ibero

Assistant Director: Debra K. Koch

Class Size:
6th Grade Band - 80

7th Grade Band - 51

8th Grade Band - 67

Activties/Awards: 

• Old West Weekend Parade Competition - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (120 members) - SUPERIOR Rating
• Veteran's Day Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (117 members)
• N.S.B.A. 8th Grade All-State Band - Students selected: Josie Brezenski (Bass Clarinet - 1st Chair), Jamie Chen (French Horn - Alternate), Jamisyn Howard (French Horn), Maya Moran (French Horn), Adam Polk (Trombone), and Ben Roberts (Tenor Saxophone - 1st Chair).
• Western Nebraska Middle Level Music Contest -
  • Solos:
    • 6th Grade     21-SUPERIOR     9-EXCELLENT
    • 7th Grade     18-SUPERIOR     5-EXCELLENT
    • 8th Grade     28-SUPERIOR     4-EXCELLENT     2-GOOD
  • Large Ensembles:
    • 6th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all four judges)
    • 7th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all four judges)
    • 8th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all four judges)
• Music in the Parks Festival - 8th Grade Concert Band - 2nd Place Class A (EXCELLENT)

Director, Michael A. Koch, received a Citation of Excellence from the National Band Association for the 8th Grade Bands performance at the 2016 N.S.B.A. Convention.

2017-2018

Directors: Michael A. Koch and Francis J. Ibero

Assistant Director: Debra K. Koch

Class Size:

6th Grade Band - 73

7th Grade Band - 68

8th Grade Band - 37

Activities/Awards:

• Old West Weekend Parade Competition - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (115 members) - SUPERIOR Rating
• Veteran's Day Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (103 members)
• N.S.B.A. 8th Grade All-State Band & Jazz Band - Students Selected: Ethan Gion (Trumpet - Alternate), Nathan Hoevet (Clarinet), John Mentgen (Guitar - Jazz Band), & Ayden Reed (Tuba)
• Western Nebraska Middle-Level Music Contest - 
  • Solos:
    • 6th Grade     17 - SUPERIOR     10 - EXCELLENT
    • 7th Grade     26 - SUPERIOR      6  - EXCELLENT
    • 8th Grade     21 - SUPERIOR      4  - EXCELLENT
  • Large Ensembles:
    • 6th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR
    • 7th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all four judges)
    • 8th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR
• Music in the Parks Festival - 8th Grade Concert Band - 3rd Place Class A (EXCELLENT)

Director, Michael A. Koch, received a Career Teacher Award for 30 years of dedicated service to Music Education in Nebraska from the Nebraska Music Educators Association.

2018-2019

Directors: Michael A. Koch and Francis J. Ibero

Assistant Director: Debra K. Koch

Class Size:

6th Grade Band - 70

7th Grade Band - 56

8th Grade Band - 62

Activities/Awards:

• Old West Weekend Parade Competition - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (116 members) - SUPERIOR Rating
• N.M.E.A Guest Band for All-State Convention (8th Grade Concert Band)
• N.S.B.A. 8th Grade All-State Band - Students Selected: Jenna Buck (Alto Saxophone), Eleah Chavez (Trumpet), Elizabeth Fuss (Trumpet), Clara Heldt (French Horn - Alternate), Riley Ibero (First Chair Euphonium), Michael Mickey (Trumpet), Maddie Still (Trombone), and Zach Wharton (Bari. Saxophone).
• Western Nebraska Middle-Level Music Contest - 
  • Solos:
    • 6th Grade     19 - SUPERIOR     1 - EXCELLENT
    • 7th Grade     28 - SUPERIOR      2 - EXCELLENT
    • 8th Grade     33 - SUPERIOR      1  - EXCELLENT
  • Large Ensembles:
    • 6th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all four judges)
    • 7th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all four judges)
    • 8th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all four judges)
• Music in the Parks Festival - 8th Grade Concert Band - 1st Place Class A (EXCELLENT), Best Overall Jr. High/Middle School Concert Band

Director, Michael A. Koch, received a Citation of Excellence from the National Band Association for the 8th Grade Bands performance at the 2018 N.M.E.A. Convention.

2019-2020

Directors: Michael A. Koch & Francis J. Ibero

Assistant Director: Debra K. Koch

Class Size:

6th Grade Band - 72

7th Grade Band - 57

8th Grade Band - 49

Activities/Awards:

• Homecoming Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (113 members)
• Old West Weekend Parade Competition - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (113 members) - SUPERIOR Rating
• Veteran's Day Parade - Cancelled due to Weather (ice on roads)
• N.S.B.A. 8th Grade All-State Band - Students Selected: Rosie Burkhalter (Clarinet - Alternate), Abby Pieper (Bass Clarinet), and Max Meyer (Tuba) - Cancelled due to Weather
• Central NE Regional Honor Band - Students Selected: Rosie Burkhalter (Clarinet), Charley Devlin (Flute), Teyla Huff (Flute), Jackson Howard (Trombone), Tallon McDonald (Trumpet), Max Meyer (Tuba), Megan Peister (Trumpet), and Abby Pieper (Bass Clarinet)
• Western Nebraska Middle-Level Music Contest - 
  • Solos:
    • 6th Grade     33 - SUPERIOR     4 - EXCELLENT     1 - GOOD
    • 7th Grade     21 - SUPERIOR      5 - EXCELLENT
    • 8th Grade     24 - SUPERIOR      4  - EXCELLENT
  • Large Ensembles:
    • 6th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all four judges)
    • 7th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR
    • 8th Grade Concert Band - SUPERIOR (from all four judges)
• Music in the Parks Festival - CANCELLED due to COVID-19 Pandemic Closures

Director, Michael A. Koch, received an "Excellence in Education" award from the SBPS Foundation.

2020-2021

Directors: Michael A. Koch & Francis J. Ibero

Assistant Director: Debra K. Koch

Class Size:

6th Grade Band - 52

7th Grade Band - 52

8th Grade Band - 38

Activities/Awards:

• Homecoming Parade - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (93 members)
• Old West Weekend Parade Competition - 7th & 8th Grade Marching Band (93 members) - No Rating (Judges Comments ONLY due to COVID-19 format)
• Veteran's Day Parade - Cancelled due to COVID-19
• N.S.B.A. 8th Grade All-State Band - Students Selected: Allison Clodfelter (Clarinet), Dagen Cranmore (Trumpet), Mina Griffith (Bass Clarinet), Collin Phillips (Trumpet), & Capria Rogers (Trombone) - Cancelled due to COVID-19