Schools

Chapin High Band Win 3A State Championship

The Pride of the Midlands win state band title — a first since 1986.

 

The Pride of the Midlands marching band from Chapin High School earned the title of 3A State Champion last weekend. This is the first time the Chapin High School Band has won a state championship since 1986.  

The band performed a show entitled, “Espanol Oscuro,” which means “Dark Spanish.” Band Director Kevin Hubert said when a band performs a Spanish show, the colors are usually bright and vibrant. The Pride of the Midlands took a different take on the theme, however. The show depicted the dark, haunting visions in bull fighters’ minds and the battles he goes through.

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Hubert said, “The students’ work ethic was very strong this year. Our motto, ‘work hard and play hard’ made the season a lot more fun. They worked hard in practice so that when it came time to performance they were able to just have fun performing.”

In order to win the state championship, the band first competed in the Lower State Championships in October. Chapin scored a 91.275 and placed first amongst the 14 bands in the Lower State competition. They swept all of the caption awards including music, marching, and overall effect. 

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The top half of bands from the Lower State and the Upper State Championships advanced to the State Championship on Oct. 27. Chapin placed first out of the 17 bands competing in the final round of 3A Sate Championships with a score of 95.3. The band again swept all captions. 

Chapin High Principal Akil Ross is rightfully proud of the band’s accomplishments.

He said, "From the first day of band camp until the last practice, the Pride of the Midlands Marching Band has worked extremely hard to maximize their potential. A first-place rating in every competition is the result of their hard work and commitment to excellence. We are proud of Director Kevin Hebert, the coaches, the parent volunteers, band boosters and the students for a great season."

Hubert said, “I am blessed to have such dedicated and talented students, parents, staff, administration, and community to work with. It certainly makes all the practice worth it! I can always tell when the students have a good show by looking at their faces when they come off the field. This week, I knew they were champions no matter what the outcome of the awards ceremony.”

To see the band's performance, click here

Submitted by Lexington-Richland 5's Office of Public Information


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