powerful performances in portland

During a beautiful sunny day, corps from across the west coast gathered in Portland, Oregon at the Hillsboro Stadium for the 2010 Portland Summer Music Games. The day began with a world class clinic for northwest marching band students hosted by the Cascades. A huge variety of northwest high schools were represented including: Westview, Evergreen, Klahowya, McNary, Bellingham, Century, Sunset, Kamiak and Central Valley to name a few.

In the Open Class competition for the evening: The Spokane Thunder after taking a year off, was earnestly welcomed back to the field of competition, performing their sophisticated 2011 program and earning a score of 61.30. Next to perform was the Oregon Crusaders, with a clean performance and modern programming they scored a 71.90. Last to perform in Open class was the consistent Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets, their solid production garnered them a 75.40.

Kicking off the World Class competition, the Cascades presented their crowd pleasing production and earned a 67.20, over 5 points higher than their starting score last season. Up next, 2009 finalist, the Troopers performed the anticipated show Wanted and was rewarded with a 73.70. To wrap up the competition, the Blue Knights from Denver Colorado wowed the crowd with what some are calling their favorite Blue Knights show ever, they scored a 78.90. After the competition, the Cascades performed an encore complete with marches, pop tunes, screaming trumpets and electric guitars! The audience had a wonderful time.

The Cascades members then got to spend some precious last moments with family and friends before they set out on their 12,000 mile journey to all four corners of the United States.