At the Clinch River Classic, Campbell High’s Color Guard finished 1st, Cougar Marching Band 4th

The Campbell County High School Marching Band performs the National Anthem before Friday night’s homecoming football game. (PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANDY ALOYSIUS)

CLINTON, TN (WLAF)- Campbell County High School’s Marching Band and Color Guard excelled at City Field in Saturday’s 11th annual Clinch River Classic. “Overall, our band performed extremely well for this early in the season and received 10 points higher than last year’s competition,” said Adam Wright, Campbell High Band Director. The band performed on the same field just a few days ago when the Cougars played the Dragons on Clinton’s home football field.

Wright knew going into Saturday’s competition that the band would be without three of its strongest members. “One of the missing members was Sophie Copeland, a trombonist, who everyone in the band looks up to for her leadership, professionalism, and musicality. She is kind of a hero to many in the band,” said Wright. The other two members not there were Percussion Captain and Snare, Ethan Wonders along with Tenor Drummer, Cody Freeman. Wonders and Freeman are “vital” to the band performances, according to Wright. “They start songs, play solos, keep time, push the dynamics, and add an element that no other instruments can. Their leadership was definitely missed for the performance,” said Wright.

Excellent ratings, 10 points higher than at last year’s competition, and 4th place overall, out of 10 bands, is a testament to what leadership they; Copeland, Wonders and Freeman; have instilled in their peers, according to the veteran band director. “The entire percussion section, from the drums you hear on the field, to the Front Ensemble playing keyboard instruments, sound effects, and auxiliary percussion have grown tremendously with the addition of our new percussion tech, Ethan Clock,” said Wright.

Band Director Adam Wright getting his band ready to take the walk up The Hill to the football field on Friday night.

“Our drum majors, Joann Begley and Jenna Stephens, excelled in their craft, leading and guiding the band through all of the nuances that were missing because of the absences. The confidence the students showed in the drum majors’ leadership was parallel to none,” said Wright.

The Color Guard soared higher than ever, taking home first place out of all 10 bands in Campbell County’s competition class. “They have had a near “complete restart” this season with their new instructor, Christy Hibbler,” said Wright.

The addition of Mrs. Tiffany Braden to Campbell’s band staff, as a full-time band director, has definitely changed the culture of the program for the better and for the future, according to Mr. Wright.

“I am so very proud of our students and staff in the way Campbell County is being represented by them all this year, and I cannot wait to see where they go from here,” said Wright.

A NOTE FROM THE GRAND ON CENTRAL: “There is so much good going on in our community, and I want to share all this good with you every Monday here on WLAF in hopes that you will start your week in a grand way making each week a Grand Week,” said Olivia Lobertini, owner of The Grand on Central.

Below, take a visit through The Grand on Central.

For bookings, email Olivia Lobertini ohlobertini03@gmail.com. Check on avails HERE. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 09/23/2024-6AM)

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