CCHS Cougar Winds receives 2nd place in its first competition

By Charlotte Underwood

KNOXVILLE, TN (WLAF)- A new Cougar band program has started at Campbell County High School for the indoor wind ensemble to compete in East Tennessee Performing Arts Association competitions (ETPAA). The circuit includes winter guard, indoor percussion, and indoor winds. The new program was started by CCHS Band Director Tiffany Braden.

“I’d never participated in indoor winds before, but when I brought up the idea, I had several students interested, so we decided to go for it. Indoor wind is kind of like marching band, just inside. Obviously with the size of the gym, it’s still much different than your typical marching show. There’s more theatrics and backing tracks,” Braden explained.

The first show was on Saturday, February 21, at West High School. For their very first competition and performance in general, they received 2nd place. 

“I’ve gotten the privilege of starting a brand-new indoor winds group, and this was the first time they’ve ever performed. Honestly, none of us knew exactly what to expect because I’ve never participated in indoor winds either. We learned together and I’ve gotten to watch them improve every week. We have a lot of work to do, but we are excited for it!” Braden said, adding that she was “thrilled” by the new opportunity.

“It has been awesome to embark on this new journey and start a new program. My favorite part is being able to give the students a bigger say in the creative process. They bring so many great ideas to the table,” Braden said.

She also said a huge “congrats to the students, staff, and parents that make this possible.”

Both indoor winds and winter guard will compete again on March 14th.

Indoor winds will have a performance before that at the annual Chili Supper and Auction hosted by the band boosters. That’s this Saturday (March 7) starting at 3:45pm, in Brown Gym and the CCHS cafeteria.

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-03/03/2026-6AM)