Band pulls out of competition

CLOVIS — After wins in its first three competitions, the Clovis High band decided to pull out of its fourth scheduled competition at Saturday’s Pageant of Bands in Albuquerque.

In a letter to the band boosters, Director Bill Allred said the cancellation was made with its Oct. 23 trip to Albuquerque for the Zia Marching Festival in mind.

Allred highlighted two reasons for the decision — first as a measure to avoid any unnecessary risk or quarantines, and second from a feeling the students and staff had earned a break before focusing on Zia.

“We are so proud of the work the students have done so far,” Allred wrote, “and know that next week is going to be a great week of polishing as we put the final touches on our 2021 show.”

Clovis has been named the most outstanding New Mexico band in each of the last eight Zia festivals, which are generally regarded as the marching band state championship.