Adair County High School’s Marching Band brought home the top honor Saturday at the Governor’s Gold Cup Marching Band Festival in Elizabethtown, earning the Chuck Smith Grand Champion title.
Performing its 2026 production, “Out of Your Shell,” the Adair County Band dominated the preliminary competition, earning first place in Class AAA, percussion, color guard and overall competition.
The band continued its success in finals, earning caption awards for color guard, percussion, musical performance, and general effect. Adair County tied Taylor County for the visual performance caption.
Director Jonathon Holmes said the performance was a reflection of the commitment shown by the students, staff, band parents and community supporters.
“I’m incredibly proud of our students, staff, band parents, and community supporters who shared a mission of continuing the great Adair Band legacy. Saturday we were able to compete with several of the best bands in our entire state irregardless of class category. Our students showed a resolute mission to make everyone proud and commit themselves to their fellow band mates in pursuing excellence on and off the field,” Holmes said.
The grand champion award adds another accomplishment to a season centered around the production “Out of Your Shell,” while continuing a long-standing tradition within the Adair County band program.
For generations, Adair County band members have carried the phrase “Eyes with Pride” onto the field while representing their school and community. That same pride was evident Saturday as students showcased the talent, discipline, creativity and preparation that went into this year’s production.
The grand championship capped a full day of competition for the students, directors and staff, but the season continues this weekend.
Adair County will compete Saturday at LaRue County High School in the Lincoln Invitational. The band will once again perform “Out of Your Shell” as it continues its competition season.
The band’s grand champion performance in Elizabethtown gives Adair County another opportunity to build on its momentum while carrying on the tradition of “Eyes with Pride.”
