Cheney High School Band wins regional championship

MOSCOW, IDAHO – The Cheney High School Band claimed the Regional Championship last weekend at the Bands of America competition held at the Kibbie Dome.

The Blackhawks earned the top spot with a score of 78.600, securing both the overall championship and first place in their 2-A division.

Timberline High School from Idaho followed closely in second place with a score of 75.100, while West Salem High School from Oregon took third with 73.700, both in the 2-A division. A.C. Davis High School, representing 3-A, finished in fourth place with 72.700, and Chiawana High School, competing in 4-A, rounded out the top five with 69.500.

Cheney’s performance shone in several key categories, earning them awards for Outstanding Music Performance, Outstanding Visual Performance, and Outstanding General Effect.

Band Director Josh Wissell shared insights into the band’s preparation, explaining the immense dedication involved. “In August alone, the band put in 120 hours of practice,” Wissell said. “We meet three times a week after school for over two hours, along with a couple of full-day practices on Saturdays.”

Wissell attributed the band’s success to the students’ commitment and openness to pushing themselves. “This group’s willingness to try anything and give their best effort has been a huge factor in our success,” he said. A new element they’ve embraced this year is the “Try Factor.” “The students consistently show an incredible amount of effort, and that’s what’s brought us this far,” Wissell added.

When asked about the win, Wissell emphasized that the band’s focus is not on their competition but on self-improvement. “We tell our students that the only competition is with ourselves,” Wissell said. “If we don’t place well because we didn’t give our best effort, that’s a tough loss. But if we’ve worked as hard as we can and done our best, then we can walk away proud, regardless of the result.”

Wissell also highlighted the tremendous support that helps the band succeed. “What sets our group apart is the backing from our boosters, school staff, and parents. We couldn’t have achieved this without the hard work of our marching band staff and the incredible dedication of our band parents,” he said. “From fixing uniforms to moving props and making sure the kids are well-fed and ready; we have an army of help behind the scenes.”

Reflecting on the season, Wissell shared his pride in the 89 students in the band. “These kids are the best, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. We’re making history once again this year, and we’re looking forward to representing our school in Indianapolis,” he said. The band’s goal for the Bands of America Grand National Championships is to reach the semifinals, placing in the top 30 bands nationwide. “But as I always say, as long as we show up with no regrets, any result will be amazing.”

This weekend, the Cheney marching band will perform during halftime at the homecoming football game on Friday, followed by the Puget Sound Festival of Bands in Everett on October 26. They’ll take the national stage at the Bands of America Grand National Championships on November 15, with their performance streaming live. For more details, check with Cheney High School.