The Christian County Band Program is built upon a rich tradition and legacy beginning in the fall of 1969. The Colonel Band has enriched the lives of thousands of students throughout it’s 60 year history. Throughout those 60 years, the program has been recognized for it’s high quality musicianship and performance, being invited to participate in several well known festivals and parades across the United States.
As a very young program, the Christian County Marching Colonel Band began making it’s mark in the band community in the 1970s. During these years, the Colonel Band was invited to participate in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Orange Bowl Parade, and the Tournament of Roses. In 1978, the band was also invited to participate in the DeSoto Festival in Bradenton, Florida. In addition, in 1979, the Marching Colonel Band became the Large Class Kentucky Marching Band State Champion.
This rich history continued throughout the 1980s and 1990s as the band was a State Finalist several times, winning it’s second Championship title in 1982. In 1982, the band was also invited to march in the Fiesta Bowl Parade in Phoenix, Arizona. The Colonel Marching Band legacy has continued to grow throughout the 21st Century as the band has marched in several Kentucky Governor Inauguration Parades, The Kentucky Derby Pegasus Parade, and remained competitive in the Kentucky Music Educators Association Marching Band Circuit. In 1986, the Kentucky Music Educators Association began State Marching Band Championships. The Colonel Band has been named to the prestigious KMEA State Finals four times: 1987, 1994, 1995, 2021, and 2022.
In addition to the awards and honors achieved in the rich history of the Christian County Marching Colonel Band, the concert bands and student ensembles have thrived in the development of musicianship of the band members. The Christian County Concert Bands have consistently received Distinguished ratings at Concert Band Assessments and other assessment events, displaying high quality musicianship focused on student development and achievement. The program has a high number of students participating annually in All-District and All-State Band Festivals and honor groups. From the moment the students enter the Christian County band program beginning at Christian County Middle School, students are challenged to develop the high quality of musicianship that has been present throughout the 60 year history of the band program. The Christian County Colonel Band has had many groups featured at the KMEA State Professional Development Conference. Those include: The Christian County Middle School Percussion Ensemble (2020), the Christian County Middle School Band, the Christian County High School Percussion Ensemble, and the Christian County High School Jazz Ensemble, twice.
The Christian County Band Program has a rich history and legacy stemming back to 1969 that has left a mark on the band community. The many awards and achievements recognize the dedication of the band directors, students, parents, and community to make the Christian County Band Program successful. Many students who have been a part of this rich 60 year history have since furthered their education at the collegiate level and entered the music education profession, continuing to establish a culture of high quality musicianship throughout the state of Kentucky and the United States. The Christian County Marching Colonel Band legacy will continue for years to come as students are given the opportunity to participate in a program that prides itself on providing high quality musical experiences to enrich the Hopkinsville community.
KMEA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS RESULTS AND HISTORY:
https://kyband.com/history/christian-county/
