The Hoover Tornado Marching Band performed at Pierce College on Saturday for their first Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) competition.

After taking second place overall, and earning high percussion, and high music, the band was invited to perform a thrilling encore under the college stadium lights. 

The band’s first and judged run of the morning presented a dilemma that could’ve greatly impacted their performance. The cauldron was locked in the middle of the field.

“We had a little issue with the prop and I know that messed up some things for the band,” said HTMB Band Director Melissa Campbell.

However, they were able to push through and win multiple awards along with an invitation to perform later at night. 

“We were able to fix it for the second performance. The band was really excited to do the second performance after a really long day, and it was a good opportunity to perform in a college stadium under the stadium lights,” said Campbell. 

Campbell has plans for competitions in other circuits in California.

“I think [SCSBOA] was a good opportunity to get feedback from different judges,” she said. “I don’t think it’s a circuit we would permanently compete in, but it may be something where I can consider having another competition in the future. We’ve actually been more focused on another circuit called [Western Band Association] which is focused on artistry.”