The Adair County High School Marching Band delivered a strong performance at the Kentucky Music Educators Association State Marching Band championships this past weekend, earning a fourth place finish in their class.
Competing against some of the top programs in the state, Adair County was just 4.7 points from first place and 0.05 points from third.
A comment written on the scoresheet by Don Deems, a judge at the state finals, said, “I’ve judged thousands and thousands of performances and that is by far, without hesitation, one of the most exciting performances I’ve ever seen.”
This season’s production, Crystallize, showcased the band’s precision and creativity. The show combines complex musical arrangements with dynamic visual design. The fourth place finish reinforces Adair County’s reputation as one of Kentucky’s most respected and consistent marching programs.
“I am incredibly proud of our students and their pursuit of excellence. This is something that the Adair County Band has never wavered on and we will not start now. The growth that this group of young people has made is amazing. This is likely the youngest band per capita in any KMEA class in the entire state, and yet, as great bands do, they succeeded,” said Band Director Jonathon Holmes.
“Not only that, but they did so without exhaustion. Our students are anxiously awaiting the next chapter of the year where they will continue to hone their craft in concert band, only feeding the groups' skill level for our next marching band season,” he said.
“Our color guard students will also continue to grow during their competitive winter guard season. We are very appreciative of our community, alumni, and school system for providing the encouragement that has led to this years' growth,” said Holmes.
“We are determined to be the band program that all others fear and revere. We feel that our program, when at its best, shines a light for all others to learn and grow from,” he said.
The Adair County Marching Band will give one final encore performance for the public on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. at Lindsey Wilson University Parnell Stadium. Admission is free; donations are appreciated.
By Amy Pike
amy@adairvoice.com
