CAPE BAND PLACES FIRST IN STATE

The Cape Central High Marching Band took first place honors at the Francis Howell Invitational Contest in St. Charles County Saturday.

Eighteen bands from Missouri participated. Nine of those competed in the class with Cape Central, which was the largest class.

It marks the second week in a row that the Cape Girardeau band finished first in a marching contest. They also took top honors at Washington, Mo. the week before.

"This is the first year we've every placed first in these two contests," said Neil Casey, marching band director. "This was a very tough contest. The Francis Howell North band, which came in second, has 140 members in the band. We have 100."

In the Saturday contest, Washington came in third, Layfette placed fourth, St. Charles West was fifth, and Poplar Bluff finished sixth.

Band Booster President Mike Shivelbine praised the band and its good work.

"The band has been trying to win one of these major competitions the last 15 years. To win one back to back is a major accomplishment," he said. "This win really puts Cape Central's marching program among the best in the state."

The band will compete in two more competitions - the next will be Saturday at Flat River High School.

Casey credits band member discipline and dedication for the high quality contest show. They began practicing three a half weeks before school began, and have been putting in long hours.

"We have about 24 seniors and the largest junior and sophomore class we've every had. Things look good on the horizon for our band program. We have a lot of bodies and good talent ready to come up."

Assisting Casey with the band is High School Band Director Ron Nall.