On October 30th, 2021, around a hundred Anderson County students, parents, faculty, and friends packed up and traveled to compete in the Kentucky State Marching Band Finals at the University of Kentucky’s Kroger Field. And they won.
Nearly all of the students who competed have been involved in the music program since middle school and to say that they have put in the hard work and sweat to deserve their victory would be an understatement. Long summer days are spent in the scorching sun practicing formations and perfecting the details that Mr. Patrick Brady, band director, has come to expect.
They have fought for the title of 2021 4A State Champion each of those days in the sun, each night when they were practicing their music or their routines. They confidently displayed those skills when they made Anderson County proud not only for their skill but also for their sportsmanship.
To celebrate their win, Anderson County High School now proudly displays a large banner recognizing their success. Additionally, a sign now stands announcing both this year’s win in the state championship as well as the students who came before, those who won state in 2017.
On Friday, March 18th, those students received an additional honor: recognition on the House floor at the Capitol. Director Brady acknowledged the opportunity, saying “this recognition is a huge honor. However, the biggest honor is to be able to spend the day celebrating the accomplishments these students have achieved and to continue to build the program.”
Students, also, were grateful for this additional recognition. Senior Tirzah Cobb, who has been in the music program since 2017, noted “It’s nice to be acknowledged for our hard work and accomplishments. It’s truly an honor.”
Senior Emma Collins, in the program since 2019, added, “I feel lucky to have this opportunity. My involvement in Anderson Band has been a transformative experience in so many ways.”
The Anderson County marching band program has continued to flourish, and for good reason. They embody the maxim that Muhammad Ali poignantly stated: “Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them— a desire, a dream, a vision.” For many of these students, that victory has been a dream for years— a dream now, deservedly, realized.