Bands ‘Grand’ in weekend tournaments
The Fort Mill Marching Band traveled to the Blythewood Tournament of Bands Oct. 17 and was awarded first place in class 4A and the Grand Championship.
In addition, the Fort Mill Band took home awards in their class for Best Music, Best Visual, Best Percussion and Best Color Guard.
“The students are doing an outstanding job so far this year performing perhaps the most difficult show we have ever programmed,” Fort Mill director John Pruitt said. “The students are performing all classical music in original keys while moving at great velocities for 120 different drill sets. Moving forward, we will focus on deeper musical expression along with greater visual clarity and artistry.”
Nation Ford High School traveled to the Western Carolina University Tournament of Champions. The tournament was filled with state championship and Bands of America finalist bands from around the Southeast.
Nation Ford finished second and was named the Reserve Grand Champion. The band won the class 3A competition in the preliminary round and, for the second straight weekend, was awarded Best Music in the final competition.
“The band is performing at a very high level this year,” director Martin Dickey said. “We have great student leaders that are doing a fantastic job. Musically, our show is generating a lot of positive comments and we continue to be first on every music judge’s list, so that is our obvious strength.”
Perennial Tennessee powerhouse Dobyns-Bennett High School out of Kingsport, was named the Tournament of Champions grand champion.
Like Fort Mill, the Indian Land Warrior Band also competed in the Blythewood Tournament of Bands. The Warriors, competing in the 2A class, finished second out of 10 bands.
“It was a really good day for us,” director Mathew Willis said. “Obviously, we wished the placement was a bit higher but we gave a great performance going into Upper State week, so we are right where we want to be.”
Indian Land will compete for the Upper State title Oct. 24. Bands that secure one of the top spots in their division at Upper State advance to the state competition on Oct. 31. In advance of that competition, the musicians will work on playing with sensitivity during their ballad and more power during the impact points of the show, Willis said.
“The band is doing a wonderful job this year,” he said. “They are constantly improving and working hard each day. They perform with energy and commitment and it has been a lot of fun experiencing the show with them.”
The Nation Ford band also will compete in Upper State Oct. 24.
Fort Mill will not compete Oct. 24, but will rehearse in preparation for the Bands of America Super Regional Oct. 30-31 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.
Forty-three bands from 12 states will compete in the preliminary competition. The top twelve bands will advance to the finals on Oct. 31.
This story was originally published October 19, 2015 at 1:46 PM with the headline "Bands ‘Grand’ in weekend tournaments."