Published: November 06, 2009 08:34 am      

Congratulations to Kings on another win

Hats off to the Lewis Cass Marching Kings, who regained the state title they lost by less than half a point last year.

In their 28th straight appearance at the state finals in Indianapolis, the Kings walked away their sixth state title. They also won in 1988, 1995, 2003, 2006 and 2007.

The accomplishment is the result of a lot of hard work. Band members worked through the summer and got up early many mornings to prepare for the competition.

Clearly, director Mike Clark has a dynasty on his hands. Year after year, Clark and his assistants, Don Krug and Larry Clark, have managed to bring out the best in a group of young musicians.

In the end, of course, it’s all about the kids.

After last weekend’s awards ceremony, drum majors Aly Barber, a junior clarinet player, and Jillian Bower, a senior French horn player, were emotional about the win.

“This means everything,” said Barber. “We put our all into it and have worked hard. I’m proud of our band.”

Bower noted that the win was even sweeter after coming so close a year ago.

“That made the upperclassman who experienced that push even harder,” she said.

The folks at Lewis Cass clearly have figured out the formula for success. And that’s not great news for the other bands in Class D.

Congratulations to the Kings on another wonderful year.