Loveland High School’s Marching Band, known as the Crimson Regiment, achieved a notable second place in its class at the Colorado Bandmasters Association state competition held on October 21, 2023. This accomplishment marks an improvement from last year’s fourth place finish, reflecting the band’s growth and dedication.
Director Kyle Freesen expressed optimism about the band’s future, stating that the return to second place indicates potential for further advancement in upcoming seasons. “To move back to second, we feel pretty confident that we can build on that moving forward,” he said. The competition this year was particularly fierce, with bands across Colorado demonstrating significant improvements.
“The band landscape in Colorado is shifting in a very positive way,” Freesen noted. He highlighted that many groups are performing at a higher level than they did five years ago. “Some of the bands I had in my first couple of years probably wouldn’t be finalists at this point, given that growth.”
Given the increased competition, continual improvement is essential. Freesen credited a positive shift in student culture for the band’s enhanced performance this year. “Post-pandemic, we’re starting to see that the students care more about each other, which means they care more about the project,” he stated.
This year’s show, titled “Bewilderness,” features a whimsical theme centered on the concept of being lost in the woods and ultimately finding a way out. Senior Morris Johnson, who leads the mellophone section, described this season as her favorite. “Everybody liked the concept as well, and we worked together to make the show really special,” she said.
The state performance held particular significance for the seniors, including Johnson, who faced a bittersweet conclusion to their marching band journey. “The state finals run was my favorite run we’ve ever done in marching band,” she reflected. “Something about it was magical. The entire band was in tune with each other and was getting that emotion across.”
Freesen echoed this sentiment, praising the final performance of the season as the band’s best. “All the kids and the staff were incredibly proud of that last run,” he said. “It’s rare that your best show is the last one. This year, we had that magic happen for us; the last run was full of energy but also really put together.”
The Crimson Regiment scored an impressive 86.9 in the finals, outperforming several 4A bands, including Monarch and Centaurus High Schools. The score placed them within striking distance of the only ensemble to surpass them, Rampart High School, which achieved a score of 88.25. Meanwhile, Berthoud High School, competing in the 2A category, participated in their state competition on the following Monday, but results were not available by the time of publication.
The Crimson Regiment’s success at the state competition not only highlights their hard work and dedication but also underscores the evolving standards and growing talent within Colorado’s marching bands. As they look to the future, the band is poised to continue building on this year’s achievements.
