The Baldwin High School Band of the Braves was crowned as grand champion, amongst winning other awards, at the Hurricane Classic at Monroe Area High School.
The Hurricane Classic is one several local marching band competitions held annually. This year was Baldwin High School’s first time competing. According to Band Director James McMillan, he chose to try out the competition this year due to its proximity and having a close connection with the coach who plans it.
“Each year, we typically host one competition and compete in three competitions,” said McMillan. “I looked into this competition last year and decided we should give it a try.”
There were about 55 students competing, with the inclusion of the color guard. The pieces performed by the marching band and color guard were designed in January by a joint effort between McMillan, Color Guard Coach Charisma Webb, Wind Technicians Robyn Meeks and Trent Henderson, and Visual Design Team Ron and Sharon Ryles. Students began practicing in July.
“Their performance is a joint effort between me and our staff. Lots of storyboarding, discussion, practice, and review goes into the process of making a performance worthy of such high scores,” said McMillan. “I’m thankful to each of their contributions in creating the final performance.”
At The Hurricane Classic, the band received the following ratings: Color Guard Superior, Percussion Superior, Drum Major Superior, and Overall Band Superior. Superior is the highest ranking that a band can receive in scoring.
The band also received the following class awards: Color Guard second in class, Percussion first in class, Drum Major first in class, Band first in class, and overall, first in class.
Overall, the band received the following placements: Color Guard second overall, Percussion first overall, Drum Major first overall, and Band first overall. This resulted in Baldwin High School receiving the highest title, Grand Champion, with an overall score of 94.06.
“Based on research I’ve conducted, this may be the first or at least most recent Grand Champion title that Baldwin High School has won,” said McMillan. “In Georgia, there is no national competition after the local competitions so winning the grand champion title is like winning a state championship.”
McMillan stated that the school will next compete in a marching band competition in Warner Robins and in Pike County before competition season ends.
“I’m proud of this achievement and our students are hyped and ready to compete in the next competitions,” said McMillan.