Little Lehi bests bigger bands

LEHI — Going up against Goliath-size bands doesn't shake the faith of the little Lehi High School Marching Band.

Rather, the talented group of young musicians has slingshot its way to several first-place wins in recent competitions. With just 17 members, it has bested bands more than twice its size, including Kearns and Timpanogos high schools.

First-year band instructor Brek Mangelson says the tiny band of just three brass instruments — two trumpets, a baritone and a tuba — balancing against six saxophones, percussion instruments and a pair of flutes still puts out the sounds and style that wins contests.

On Sept. 29 the Lehi band met its first competitors this school year at the Nebo Tournament of Bands at Payson High School.

"We were the smallest band at the tournament," Mangelson said.

The band took first place in its division of fewer than 49 members. It also also took best in the percussion, visual performance and music categories for its division.

Last week the marching band entered the Rocky Mountain Invitational, hosted by Brigham Young University at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

"The competition this time was more fierce, and we had to step it up because this time we performed first," Mangelson said.

The band took first place in its division and received the award for best over all music.

"Our band is the smallest competing band in the state, however, we scored higher than Fremont, Bonneville, Timpanogos, Springville, Spanish Fork, Provo and Idaho Falls. The kids were really excited," Mangelson said.

Last year Mangelson was a student teacher under the mentorship of John Miller, longtime director of the American Fork High School marching band.

Working in the shadow of the American Fork band has its challenges and blessings. While some Lehi students have opted for the larger band, Miller lent his support to the new teacher, even coming and working with the Lehi students, Mangelson said.

While some students were hesitant to join a band that small, others persevered. It has even split families. One of Mangelson's percussionists has a brother who is a drummer in the American Fork band, he said.

"The ones who stuck with it were really motivated kids," he said. "They wanted to make it a great band."