From eerie storytelling and ‘80s nostalgia to digital-age reflections, Columbia County’s high school marching bands turned football fields into stages this fall.
Across five schools, Evans, Greenbrier, Harlem, Lakeside, and Grovetown directors led students through months of rehearsals and competitions that tested their endurance and artistry. The hard work paid off as multiple schools would place exceptionally well in many of the regional contests.
If you missed the competitions and performances, no worries. Here’s a recap of the creative shows and standout achievements from each Columbia County band this season.
Evans High School — “Uninvited: The Widow’s Web”
Director: Zachary Bradley | Assistant Director: Patrick Williams
Evans High School’s competition band captivated audiences this season with “Uninvited: The Widow’s Web,” a dark and theatrical production portraying a black widow weaving her deadly trap. Each movement revealed the spider’s cunning and grace, with drill work and a visually striking color guard performance bringing the story to life.
The Evans competition band ended its season with a commanding finish, earning Grand Champion at the 48th Annual East Georgia Marching Band Championship in Statesboro on Oct. 25, claiming top honors among 18 programs from across the region.
Greenbrier High School — “Bionic”
Director: Dr. Brian M. Toney
With “Bionic,” Greenbrier’s Wolfpack marching band tackled the question of technology’s role in human life. Dr. Brian Toney stated that the theme of the show is that “Technology is everywhere and we all have to choose how to use it.”
The band’s performance earned it Best in Class and All Superior ratings at the East Georgia Marching Band Championship in Statesboro on October 25.
Harlem High School — “The Inn Between”
Director: Curtis Carver
Harlem’s “The Inn Between” told a haunting tale, as the show’s tagline warned, “You can check out, but you may never leave.”
The marching Bulldogs earned a Superior Sweep in all captions at the Lake Hartwell Marching Competition on Oct. 18, placing 2nd in Class Band, 3rd in Gold Division, and collecting awards for Most Spirited Band and 2nd Overall Drum Major.
Lakeside High School — “Beyond Control”
Director: Jared Best
Lakeside’s “Beyond Control” fused music by David Gillingham, Philip Glass, Ravi Shankar, and Kings Kaleidoscope to explore the modern struggle between connection and distraction in the digital age.
The Panthers’ precision and creativity paid off on Oct. 25 at the Georgia Marching Band Collective in Buford, where they finished 6th out of 16 bands and scored an impressive 90.30 in finals. The band would later appear at the Bands of America Southeastern Regional at Cass High School on Nov. 1.
Grovetown High School — “1981”
Director: Steve Whitaker
Grovetown’s “1981” was a throwback celebration of an iconic musical era, featuring crowd favorites like “In the Air Tonight,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Open Arms,” and “Separate Ways.” Each of these songs were released in the early 1980s.
The group capped its competitive season at the East Georgia Marching Band Championship in Statesboro.
