Awards and Accolades By Year

2024 – 2025

ABODA Finals 11/16/2024

MRHS received 1st place in Division 1A for the 3rd year in a row with a score of 89.888 and Caption Awards for Auxiliary, Percussion, Visual, and General Effects

AZMBA Finals 11/9/24

1st place in Division 5A with a score of 89.888 and Caption Awards for Auxiliary, Percussion, Visual, Music, General Effects

ABODA State Semi-Finals at Desert Vista 11/2/24

MRHS Band received 1st Place for Division 1 with a score of 92.156 and Caption awards for Auxiliary, General Effect, Visual Effect, & Music Performance

BASHA INVITATIONAL 10/26/24

First Place in Division 1 with a score of 91.588 and caption awards for Auxiliary, Percussion, Visual, and Musical Performance

BARRY GOLDWATER INVITATIONAL 10/19/24

First Place in Division 1 with a score of 86.538 and caption awards for Auxiliary, Percussion, Visual Effect, General Effect, and Musical Performance
MRHS also received the Dr. Michael Andersen Sweepstakes Award

ROCK THE RIDGE INVITATIONAL 10/12/24

First Place in Division 5A with a score of 79.613 and caption awards: Auxiliary/Guard, Percussion, Visual, General Effect, and Musical Performance.

BANDS OF AMERICA REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS in Flagstaff, AZ 10/5/24

FINAL scores for at Bands of America – 3rd Place with a score of 79.350
Preliminary Round – MRHS Band received 2nd Place with a score of 79.350

Drum major and guard dancing in heart of steel show

Photo of band performing at Rock the Ridge 2024

2023 – 2024

PHOENIX VETERANS DAY PARADE – 1st place, Band

ABODA STATE MARCHING BAND CHAMPIONSHIP

First Place and the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP in Division 1 with a score of 89.800 and caption awards for High Music, General Effect and Visual Performance!

2023 AZMBA CHAMPIONSHIP

Class 5A Champions!! We swept all captions and received the highest score in the history of the AzMBA circuit with a 93.775!

ABODA STATE MARCHING SEMI-FINALS

First Place in Division 1 with a score of 92.188 and the caption awards for General Effect, Visual Performance, and Music Performance

BARRY GOLDWATER INVITATIONAL

First Place in Division 1 with a score of 90.013 and caption awards for Auxiliary, Percussion, Visual Effect, General Effect, and Musical Performance
MRHS also received the Dr. Michael Andersen Sweepstakes Award

ROCK THE RIDGE INVITATIONAL

First Place with a score of 83.625 and caption awards: Auxiliary/Guard, Percussion, Visual, General Effect, and Musical Performance.

BANDS OF AMERICA REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS in Flagstaff, AZ

FINAL scores for at Bands of America – MRHS in 5th Place with a score of 84.05! Preliminary Round – 3rd place in the 4A division

BASHA MARCHING INVITATIONAL

MRHS received 1st place for Division 1: overall score 82.588 and caption awards for: Auxiliary, Percussion, Visual Performance, General Effect, and Musical Performance

The Pride of the West MRHS band program has been nominated for the Earl D. Irons Program of Distinction award from Phi Beta Mu.

AWARDS Barry goldwater invitational awards

The MRHS Wind Ensemble was selected to perform at the 2024 AMEA State Conference at the Mesa Convention Center

2024 AREA CONCERT FESTIVAL:

MRHS Wind Ensemble, and our Symphonic Winds and Band received a superior with distinction rating, the highest you can receive and our Orchestra received an Excellent rating.

2024 Southwest Region Honor Band and Orchestra Members

Claire Xu, Caroline White, Samyuktha Ganti, Jax Pence, Nicolas Smith, Elexis BoDude, Tessa Taylor, Liam Firth, Caitlin Gutierrez, Jayce Huang, Bhavana Vindoh, Keenan Moore, Madison Bruso, Shanin Madantschi, Sophie Elison, Dragos Lese, Isaac Singh, Jake Turtsanyi, Kay Carson, Zachary Shepherd, Zachary Helton, Gavin Roth, Jonah Cain, Kali Kaiser, Delaney Paterson, Dana Huels, Yousif Alkhafaji, Malak Alkhafaji, Sunaina Reddy, Averie Downey, Jonah Cain, Christina Diggs, Annaliesa Shepherd

Alternates: Hannah Jeon, Liel Royal, Kate Choiniere, Kade West

MRHS Junior Trumpet Jonah Cain was elected for the 2024 Arizona All-State Jazz Band

AMEA SOLO/ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL TIER I: SUPERIOR RATINGS FROM MRHS (33):

MRHS Wind Ensemble Brass Choir

MRHS Clarinet Choir

MRHS Flute Choir

MRHS Symphonic Band WW Choir

MRHS Wind Ensemble WW Choir

MRHS Trombone Choir

MRHS Trumpet Quintet

MRHS Trumpet Octet

MRHS Saxophone Orchestra

Malak Alkhafaji, Horn Solo

Averie Downey, Trumpet Solo

MRHS String Quintet

Liel Royal, Bass Clarinet Solo

Claire Xu, Flute Solo

Delaney Patterson Flute Solo

Kalista Kaiser, Flute Solo

Kalista Kaiser, Piccolo Solo

Shahin Madantschi, Sax Solo

Nathan Kalna, Sax Solo

Shahin Madantschi, Piano Solo

MRHS Percussion Ensemble

MRHS Percussion Duet

Annaliesa Shepherd, Percussion Solo

MRHS Bass Clarinet Trio

MRHS Clarinet Quartet

MRHS Woodwind Quintet

MRHS Saxophone Quartet

MRHS Saxophone Duet

Cierra Gaddis, Solo Female Vocal

Nishka Mehta, Solo Female Vocal

Madison Stedman, Solo Female Vocal

Christian Kelley, Solo Male Vocal

Zachary Thomas, Solo Male Vocal

2022 -2023

1 2 3 4 5

ABODA STATE MARCHING BAND CHAMPIONSHIP – 1st place STATE CHAMPION, Division 1, 91.63

Caption awards for Music Performance, Visual Performance, Auxiliary, and General Effect

AzMBA CHAMPIONSHIPS – 1st place, Class 4A, 90.675

Caption awards for Music Performance, Visual Performance, General Effect, Percussion, and Auxiliary

PHOENIX VETERANS DAY PARADE – 1st place, Band

ABODA STATE MARCHING SEMI-FINALS – 1st Place, 92.4

Caption awards for Music Performance, Visual Performance, and General Effect

Rock The Ridge – MOUNTAIN RIDGE INVITATIONAL – 1st Place, 88.95

Caption awards for Music Performance, Visual Performance, General Effect, Percussion, and Auxiliary

BARRY GOLDWATER INVITATIONAL – 1st Place, 85.8

Caption awards for Music Performance, Visual Performance, General Effect, Percussion, and Auxiliary
MRHS also received the Dr. Michael Andersen Sweepstakes Award

BOA ARIZONA REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP – 4A CLASS CHAMPIONS! This is the first BOA Regional Championship for MRHS, 79.05

Class 4A – Outstanding Visual Performance
Class 4A – Outstanding General Effect
Finalist – 3RD place – Bands from AZ, CA, CO, NV, NM, TX
Division I Rating (Highest Rating)

2022- 2023 Concert Season

The WIND ENSEMBLE performed a side-by-side concert with DR. JASON CASLOR and the ASU WIND ENSEMBLE

MRHS WIND ENSEMBLE selected to perform as a Featured Band at the 2023 Music for All National Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana.

ABODA Area Concert Festival – Both Symphonic Winds and Wind Ensemble received a Superior with Distinction Rating

2021 -2022

MRHS Pride of the West is the 2021 ABODA Division 1 Bronze Medalist!

The band finished 3rd at the Arizona State Marching Band Championships.

Pride of the West finished 3rd at the ABODA State Marching Semi-Finals

Pride of the West won 2nd Place at the AzMBA Class 4A Championships.

BARRY GOLDWATER INVITATIONAL – 1st Place, 85.8

Outstanding Music Performance, Outstanding Visual Performance, Outstanding Auxiliary, Outstanding General Effect, Dr. Michael Andersen Sweepstakes Award, George Hattendorf Award

MOUNTAIN RIDGE INVITATIONAL – First Place, 77.925

Outstanding Music Performance, Outstanding Visual Performance, Outstanding Auxiliary, Outstanding Percussion, Outstanding General Effect

CORONA DEL INVITATIONAL – Third Place, 84.088

Outstanding General Effect

HIGHLAND INVITATIONAL – Second Place, 72.325

Outstanding Music

SAXOPHONE QUARTET SEMI-FINALS performance at The Coltman Chamber Music Competition, Austin Texas, March 26, 2022

SAXOPHONE QUARTET performance at The Midwest Clinic, Chicago Illinois, December 15, 2021

ALL-STATE BAND/ORCHESTRA MEMBERS (16)

Kali Kaiser, Allyson Ritter, Hyrum Davis, Cooper Taylor

Tyler Webber, Ethan Best, Tyler White, Malak Alkhafaji

Brandy Anderson, Brendan Hilditch, Kristian Bailes, Drake Zinn

Jackson Aoyama, Shota Magick, Annaliesa Shepherd, Esther Kim

AMEA SOLO/ENSEMBLE “TIER III” HONOR RECITAL

Jackson Aoyama – Keiko Abe – Dream of the Cherry Blossoms for Marimba

Mountain Ridge Saxophone Quartet – Braden Lyster, Braden Scott, Cayden Nicholls, Ethan Best – Chris Evans Hass – Polar Vortex Mvmt. 2

AMEA SOLO/ENSEMBLE “BEST IN CLASS”

Clarinet – Allyson Ritter – Delmas – Fantasie Italienne

Double Reed – Cooper Taylor – Vivaldi – Concerto in E Minor for Bassoon

High Brass – Kaylee Carson – H.A. Vandercook – Carnations for Trumpet

Low Brass – Drake Zinn – Phillip Sparke – Pantomime for Euphonium

Percussion – Jackson Aoyama – Keiko Abe – Dream of the Cherry Blossoms for Marimba

Saxophone – Mountain Ridge Sax Quartet (Braden Lyster, Braden Scott, Cayden Nicholls, Ethan Best) – Chris Evans Hass – Polar Vortex Mvmt 2

AREA CONCERT FESTIVAL

Wind Ensemble – SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION

Symphonic Winds – SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION

Orchestra – SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION

ALL-REGION BAND/ORCHESTRA (45)

Jaina Domkus, Hannah Jeon, Jade Marston, Naomi Pinzon, Sarah Cooney, Frankie Perry, Kali Kaiser, Sophia Marchner

Alejandra Larios, Tessa Taylor, Hyrum Davis, Sunaina Reddy, Brooke Bracy, Kaitlyn White, Tyler Webber

Braden Scott, Ethan Best, Danieh Alani (alt), Benjamin Krotonsky, Cayden Nicholls, Braden Lyster (alt)

Shreya Vijayvargiya, Taylor Jacot, Yousif Alkhafaji, Cooper Taylor, Elexis BoDude

Kaylee Carson, Averie Downey, Shelby Long, Baker Rosas, Isabella Cairns, Jonah Cain

Malak Alkhafaji, Arda Gulser, Kaysi Reimer, Tyler White, Brandy Anderson

Drake Zinn, Kristian Bailes, Brendan Hilditch, Noah Harris, Callum Murdoch

Shota Magick, Jackson Aoyama, Annaliesa Shepherd, Aiden Bowers, Esther Kim

Previous Years

2020-2021

MRHS BAND is the recipient of the 2021 Citation of Excellence Award from the National Band Association

ALL-STATE BAND/ORCHESTRA MEMBERS (14)
Lauren Aoyama Frankie Perry Cooper Taylor
Allyson Ritter Jackson Ourada Anthony Ruan
Darryl Leung Maxim Strong Ethan Best
Tyler White Drake Zinn Evrim Gulser
Jackson Aoyama Aiden Bowers

AMEA SOLO/ENSEMBLE “BEST OVERALL”
Darryl Leung, Sax Solo – Demersseman – State Winner in the Band Category

AMEA SOLO/ENSEMBLE “BEST IN CLASS”
Lauren Aoyama, Flute Solo – Fantasie Pastorale by Hongroise
Darryl Leung, Sax Solo – Demersseman
Anthony Ruan, Sax Solo – Dahl
Cooper Taylor, Bassoon Solo – Bassoon Concerto Mvt 1 by Mozart
Mountain Ridge Tuba / Euphonium Quartet – Power by John Stevens

ALL-REGION BAND/ORCHESTRA (41)
Sophia Marchner Frankie Perry Lauren Aoyama
Hannah Jeon Sarah Cooney Jade Marston
Shreya Vijayvargiya Taylor Jacot Cooper Taylor
Yousif Alkhafaji Allyson Ritter Hyrum Davis
Tessa Taylor Zachary Bollig Jackson Ourada
Tyler Webber Darryl Leung Braden Lyster
Anthony Ruan Braden Scott Sean Collins
Ethan Best Cayden Nicholls Justin Le
Tej Patel Brandy Anderson Malak Alkhafaji
Tyler White Arda Gulser Brendan Hilditch Kristian Bailes Kyle Roth Drake Zinn Evrim Gulser Noah Harris Shota Magick Annaliesa Shepherd Aiden Bowers Maxim Strong Jackson Aoyama Lauren McKelly-Valenzuela

ALLYSON RITTER – chosen as KOOL 94.5 FM School Salute from Home performers for the week of 3/8/2021 and the recipient of Fulton Homes $250 award

ANDY TRAN – chosen as KOOL 94.5 FM School Salute from Home performer for the week of 3/2/2021 and the recipient of Fulton Homes $250 award

HYRUM DAVIS & COOPER TAYLOR – chosen as KOOL 94.5 FM School Salute from Home performers for the week of 2/19/2021 and the recipient of Fulton Homes $250 award

ANTHONY RUAN – chosen as KOOL 94.5 FM School Salute from Home performer for the week of 2/1/2021 and the recipient of Fulton Homes $250 award

NAfME ALL-NATIONAL CONCERT BAND
Darryl Leung, was selected as a member of the 2020 National Assoc. for Music Education All-National Concert Band, Alto Saxophone 1 (Virtual)

SAXOPHONE QUARTET invited to perform at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, December 2020 (No Performances in 2020)

2019-2020

AREA JAZZ FESTIVAL, Jazz I – SUPERIOR, Jazz II – EXCELLENT

AREA JAZZ FESTIVAL OUTSTANDING SOLOIST AWARD, Kristian Bailes, trombone

AREA CONCERT FESTIVAL, Wind Ensemble – SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION, Symphonic Winds – SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION, Orchestra – EXCELLENT

ALL-REGION BAND/ORCHESTRA – (42) Alexis Jacaruso, Frankie Perry, Madison Young-Cruz, Shreya Vijayvargiya, Aryel Laughlin, Cooper Taylor, Jackson Ourada, Jenifer Littlepage, Jimmy Pinzon, Hyrum Davis , Allyson Ritter , Izabella Pellegrino, Kimi Matibag, Samantha Reimer, Jaiden Singh, Brianna Laube, Camryn Sabia, Darryl Leung, Anthony Ruan, Taylor Hilditch, Sean Collins, Ethan Best, Conor Brogan , Chris Scrivens, Justin Le, Tej Patel , Brandy Anderson, Tyler White, Brendan Hilditch, Meredith Nicholls , Drake Zinn , Noah Harris, Aaron Lambertus, Braedon Behnke, Kamden Lewis, Sarah Zhao, Aiden Bowers, Maxim Strong, Jackson Aoyama, Lauren Aoyama, Patrick Taylor , Lauren McKelly-Valenzuela, Alternates: Taylor Jacot

AMEA TIER THREE TOP HONORS – TOP OVERALL WOODWIND ENTRY: Darryl Leung, Sax Solo, Alto Sax Concerto by DuBois

AMEA TIER TWO SOLO/ENSEMBLE “BEST IN CLASS” – MRHS WW Octet , Chris Scrivens, Trumpet Solo , MRHS Percussion Ensemble

AMEA TIER TWO SOLO/ENSEMBLE PERFORMERS – Darryl Leung, Alto Sax Solo, Samantha Reimer, Clarinet Solo, Anthony Ruan, Alto Sax Solo, Allyson Ritter, Clarinet Solo, WE Percussion Ensemble, Wind Ensemble Brass Choir, Maxim Strong, Tenor Sax Solo, Chris Scrivens, Trumpet Solo, Braedon Behnke, Perc Solo, String Quartet: Quartet Elementals, Frankie Perry, Flute Solo, Conor Brogan, Tenor Sax Solo, Jaiden Singh, Bass Clarinet Solo, Mountain Ridge Flute Choir, Ethan Best, Alto Sax Solo, Madison Young-Cruz, Flute Solo, Jimmy Pinzon, Clarinet Solo, Woodwind Octet, Saxophone Quartet

JOHN PHILIP SOUSA NATIONAL HONOR BAND – Tony Ruan, alto saxophone, Harvard, Massachusetts. June 27, 2020

NATIONAL YOUTH WIND ENSEMBLE OF AMERICA – Darryl Leung and Tony Ruan, Washington D.C. June 20, 2020

NAfME ALL-NATIONAL CONCERT BAND, Darryl Leung, Alto Saxophone 1 in Orlando, Florida

WIND ENSEMBLE invited to perform at the 2020 Arizona Music Educators State Conference – January 31, 2020

ABODA STATE MARCHING BAND CHAMPIONSHIP – 1st place STATE CHAMPION, Division 1, 96.941, First ABODA Championship for MRHS, Highest score in the history of the ABODA State Marching Championships – Outstanding Music Performance, Outstanding Visual Performance, Outstanding Auxiliary , Outstanding General Effect

AzMBA CHAMPIONSHIPS – 1st place STATE CHAMPION, Class 4A, 86.75, – First AzMBA Championship for MRHS, Outstanding Auxiliary , Outstanding General Effect

ABODA STATE MARCHING SEMI-FINALS – Second Place, 91.025, Outstanding Auxiliary

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA BAND DAY – Second Place, 81.6

CORONA DEL SOL INVITATIONAL – Second Place, 84.5, Outstanding Auxiliary

MOUNTAIN RIDGE INVITATIONAL – First Place, 78.7, Outstanding Music Performance, Outstanding Visual Performance, Outstanding Auxiliary , Outstanding Percussion, Outstanding General Effect

PRESCOTT MILE HIGH INVITATIONAL – First Place, 79.36, Outstanding Music Performance, Outstanding Visual Performance, Outstanding Auxiliary , Outstanding Percussion, Outstanding General Effect

BOA REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FLAGSTAFF – 71.8, Class 4A – Outstanding Music Performance , Finalist – 5th place – Bands from AZ, CA, CO, NV, NM, OK

2018-2019

2017-2018

2016-2017

2015-2016

2014-2015

2013-2014

2012-2013

2011-2012

2010-2011

2009-2010

2008-2009

2007-2008

2006-2007

SCHOLASTIC A – Bronze Medalist
STATE CONCERT FESTIVAL -Wind Ensemble – SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION, Symphonic Winds – SUPERIOR
ALL-STATE BAND MEMBERS – David Allen, Simon Jay, Brealynne Rosas, Hilary Delph, Patrick Kain, Jessica Waithe, Samantha Glenn, Lauren Peccolo, Lauren Guthridge, Tyler Richardson
AREA CONCERT FESTIVAL – Wind Ensemble – SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION, Symphonic Winds – SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION
ALL-REGION BAND and ORCHESTRA – 21 – David Allen, Lisa Sharret, Brittany Vraney, Lauren Peccolo, Patrick Kain, Jessica Waithe, Kellie Goodlet, Brealynne Rosas, Tyler Richardson, Samantha Glenn, Hilary Delph, Jared Engstrom, Lauren Guthridge, Simon Jay, John Paul Bustamante, Hailey Olson, Chris Dopilka, Kelsie LaSharr, Jaclyn Moore, Lucas Britt, Lisa Sharrett
ALL-STATE JAZZ BAND – David Allen
118th TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE PARTICIPANT – Pasadena, California
STATE MARCHING FESTIVAL – SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION, Outstanding Auxiliary Performance, Outstanding General Effect
PRESCOTT MILE HIGH INVITATIONAL – SUPERIOR, Outstanding Music Performance, Outstanding Visual Performance, Outstanding Auxiliary, Outstanding Percussion, Outstanding General Effect
BARRY GOLDWATER INVITATIONAL – FIRST PLACE, Outstanding Music Performance, Outstanding Visual Performance, Outstanding General Effect, Outstanding Drum Major Performance
NAU BAND DAY – SUPERIOR – Outstanding Music Performance, Outstanding Visual Performance, Outstanding Auxiliary, Outstanding Percussion
PRIDE of the WEST Marching Band invited as Arizona representative to 2007 FIESTA BOWL National Band Championship and Parade

2005-2006

SCHOLASTIC A – State Champion
STATE CONCERT FESTIVAL – Wind Ensemble – SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION, Symphonic Winds – SUPERIOR
ALL-STATE BAND MEMBERS – David Allen, Patrick Kain, Jessica Waithe, Shannon Curtis, Chris Stolper, Lauren Peccolo, Michelle Vraney, Hilary Delph, Austin Cynecki
AREA CONCERT FESTIVAL – Wind Ensemble – SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION, Symphonic Winds – SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION
ALL-REGION BAND and ORCHESTRA – 27 – David Allen, Lisa Sharret, Tyler Richardson, Shannon Curtis, Hailey Olsen, Phillip Sutter, Michelle Vraney, Heather Mellan, Joe Flory, Lauren Peccolo, Jaclyn Moore, Kelsie LaSharr, Leigh Rysdam, Chris Davis, Brealynne Rosas, Patrick Kain, Scotty Phillips, Austin Cynecki, Chris Stolper, Stephen Skidmore, Lauren Guthridge, Julia Hubler, Jessica Waithe, Chris Krznarich, Caitlan Allen, Steven Haim, Hilary Delph
ALL-STATE JAZZ BAND – Scotty Phillips, David Allen
SAVANNA FIELD TOURNAMENT – Anaheim, California SCSBOA – 6A Champion – 82.15
STATE MARCHING FESTIVAL – SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION, Outstanding Music Performance, Outstanding Visual Performance, Outstanding Auxiliary Performance, Outstanding Drum Major Performance, Outstanding Percussion Performance
BARRY GOLDWATER INVITATIONAL – SUPERIOR, First Place (first AZ competitive event since 1979)
NAU BAND DAY – SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION, Outstanding Music Performance, Outstanding Visual Performance, Outstanding Auxiliary Performance, Outstanding Drum Major Performance, Outstanding Percussion Performance
PRIDE of the WEST Marching Band invited to perform at Cox Channel 7 “EVERYDAY HEROES” program, Orpheum Theater – May 20, 2006
PRIDE of the WEST Marching Band invited to perform at 2007 TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE in Pasadena, California
SYMPHONIC WINDS invited to perform at the 2006 Arizona Music Educators State Conference – January 14, 2006
WINTER GUARD 2006 WGAZ Scholastic-A STATE CHAMPION

2004-2005

STATE CONCERT FESTIVAL – Wind Ensemble – SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION, Symphonic Winds – SUPERIOR
ALL-STATE BAND MEMBERS – Alisa Mastin, Patrick Kain, Chris Stolper, Lisa Sharrett, Alaine Cynecki
AREA CONCERT FESTIVAL – Wind Ensemble – SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION, Symphonic Winds – SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION, Symphonic Band – SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION
ALL-REGION BAND and ORCHESTRA – 26 students – Michelle Vraney, Anil Prasad, Amanda Hetzel, Shannon Curtis, Kendall Hunt*, Heather Summerville, Chris Stolper, Annie McDonald, Austin Cynecki, Patrick Kain, Heather Mellan, Tim Darling*, Stephanie Kain, Lisa Sharrett, Phillip Sutter, Alaine Cynecki, Alisa Mastin, Sarah Vecera, Julia Hubler, Scotty Phillips*, Kelsie LaSharr, Caitian Allen, Michael Flory, Joe Flory, Hilary Delph, Jim Parks
ALL-STATE JAZZ BAND – Scotty Phillips, Phillip Sutter
SAVANNA FIELD TOURNAMENT – Anaheim, California SCSBOA – SWEEPSTAKES – 89.75, High Music, High General Effect
STATE MARCHING FESTIVAL – Excellent, Outstanding Music Performance, Outstanding Visual Performance, Outstanding Auxiliary Performance, Outstanding Drum Major Performance
NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY BAND DAY – SUPERIOR, Outstanding Music Performance, Outstanding Visual Performance, Outstanding Auxiliary Performance, Outstanding Drum Major Performance
BARRY GOLDWATER INVITATIONAL – SUPERIOR, Outstanding Music Performance, Outstanding Visual Performance, Outstanding Auxiliary Performance, Outstanding Drum Major Performance

2003-2004

STATE CONCERT FESTIVAL – Wind Ensemble – SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION, Symphonic Winds – SUPERIOR, Symphonic Band – Excellent
ALL-STATE BAND/ORCHESTRA MEMBERS – Julie Anderson, Ryan Kain, Michael Flory, Alaine Cynecki, Alisa Mastin, Lindsay McDonald, Austin Cynecki, Annie McDonald, David Hubler, Kayley Smith, Patrick Kain, Marissa Tyro
AREA CONCERT FESTIVAL – Wind Ensemble – SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION, Symphonic Winds – SUPERIOR, Symphonic Band – SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION
ALL-REGION BAND and ORCHESTRA – 35 students
STATE MARCHING FESTIVAL – SUPERIOR, Outstanding Music Performance, Outstanding Visual Performance, Outstanding Drum Major Performance
OXNARD FIELD TOURNAMENT – Oxnard, California SCSBOA – SWEEPSTAKES – 88.75, High Music, High General Effect
NAU BAND DAY – SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION, Outstanding Music Performance, Outstanding Visual Performance, Outstanding Auxiliary Performance, Outstanding Percussion Performance
PRESCOTT “MILE HIGH” INVITATIONAL – SUPERIOR, Outstanding Music Performance, Outstanding Marching Performance, Outstanding Auxiliary Performance, Outstanding Percussion Performance
WIND ENSEMBLE invited to perform at the 2004 Arizona Music Educators State Conference – January 31, 2004

2002-2003

STATE CONCERT FESTIVAL – Wind Ensemble – SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION, Symphonic Winds – Excellent, Symphonic Band – Excellent
AREA CONCERT FESTIVAL – Wind Ensemble – SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION, Symphonic Winds – SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION, Symphonic Band – SUPERIOR
FIESTA BOWL NATIONAL BAND CHAMPIONSHIP – Third place – Finals, General Effect – 2nd Place, Drum Major – 2nd Place
FIESTA BOWL PARADE – First Place – Class A, Marching Performance – 2nd Place, Music Performance – 2nd Place
STATE MARCHING FESTIVAL – SUPERIOR
CHANDLER MARCHING INVITATIONAL – SUPERIOR, Outstanding Drum Major Performance
NAU BAND DAY – SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION, Outstanding Music Performance, Outstanding Auxiliary Performance

2001-2002

STATE CONCERT FESTIVAL – Wind Ensemble – SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION
AREA CONCERT FESTIVAL – Wind Ensemble – SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION, Symphonic Winds – Excellent
ALL-STATE BAND/ORCHESTRA MEMBERS – Bryan Yingst, Andrew Smith, Andrew Mastin, Ben Yingst, Lindsay McDonald, Mike Flory, Rissa Kuhns, Annie McDonald, Stephanie Plata
ALL-REGION BAND and ORCHESTRA – 36 students
Andrew Smith selected as 1st Trumpet in Grammy High School Jazz Band (only instrumentalist from Arizona selected)
WIND ENSEMBLE invited to perform at the 2002 Arizona Music Educators State Conference – January 2002
STATE MARCHING FESTIVAL – SUPERIOR, Outstanding Music Performance
NAU BAND DAY – SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION, Outstanding Music Performance, Outstanding Auxiliary Performance
MARCOS de NIZA INVITATIONAL – SUPERIOR, Outstanding Visual Performance, Outstanding Auxiliary Performance, Outstanding Percussion Performance, (Selected for 2002 Fiesta Bowl National Band Championship)

2000-2001

STATE CONCERT FESTIVAL – Wind Ensemble – SUPERIOR
Winter Guard – WGAZ Championships Scholastic Regional A – 2nd place
ALL-STATE BAND MEMBERS – Rissa Kuhns, Merissa Orwig, Ben Yingst, Bryan Yingst
AREA CONCERT FESTIVAL – Wind Ensemble – SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION, Symphonic Winds – SUPERIOR, Symphonic Band – SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION
ALL-REGION BAND and ORCHESTRA – 35 students
U of A Honor Band – 15 members
STATE MARCHING FESTIVAL – Excellent
NAU BAND DAY – SUPERIOR

1999-2000

1998-1999

1997-1998

1996-1997

1995-1996

Awards and Accolades By Year

2024 – 2025

ABODA Finals 11/16/2024

AZMBA Finals 11/9/24

ABODA State Semi-Finals at Desert Vista 11/2/24

BASHA INVITATIONAL 10/26/24

BARRY GOLDWATER INVITATIONAL 10/19/24

ROCK THE RIDGE INVITATIONAL 10/12/24

BANDS OF AMERICA REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS in Flagstaff, AZ 10/5/24

2023 – 2024

PHOENIX VETERANS DAY PARADE – 1st place, Band

ABODA STATE MARCHING BAND CHAMPIONSHIP

2023 AZMBA CHAMPIONSHIP

ABODA STATE MARCHING SEMI-FINALS

BARRY GOLDWATER INVITATIONAL

ROCK THE RIDGE INVITATIONAL

BANDS OF AMERICA REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS in Flagstaff, AZ

BASHA MARCHING INVITATIONAL

The MRHS Wind Ensemble was selected to perform at the 2024 AMEA State Conference at the Mesa Convention Center

2024 AREA CONCERT FESTIVAL:

2024 Southwest Region Honor Band and Orchestra Members

MRHS Junior Trumpet Jonah Cain was elected for the 2024 Arizona All-State Jazz Band

AMEA SOLO/ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL TIER I: SUPERIOR RATINGS FROM MRHS (33):

2022 -2023

ABODA STATE MARCHING BAND CHAMPIONSHIP – 1st place STATE CHAMPION, Division 1, 91.63

AzMBA CHAMPIONSHIPS – 1st place, Class 4A, 90.675

PHOENIX VETERANS DAY PARADE – 1st place, Band

ABODA STATE MARCHING SEMI-FINALS – 1st Place, 92.4

Rock The Ridge – MOUNTAIN RIDGE INVITATIONAL – 1st Place, 88.95

BARRY GOLDWATER INVITATIONAL – 1st Place, 85.8

BOA ARIZONA REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP – 4A CLASS CHAMPIONS! This is the first BOA Regional Championship for MRHS, 79.05

2022- 2023 Concert Season

2021 -2022

MRHS Pride of the West is the 2021 ABODA Division 1 Bronze Medalist!

Pride of the West finished 3rd at the ABODA State Marching Semi-Finals

Pride of the West won 2nd Place at the AzMBA Class 4A Championships.

BARRY GOLDWATER INVITATIONAL – 1st Place, 85.8

MOUNTAIN RIDGE INVITATIONAL – First Place, 77.925

CORONA DEL INVITATIONAL – Third Place, 84.088

HIGHLAND INVITATIONAL – Second Place, 72.325

Previous Years

Pride of the West

Mountain Ridge Bands