Home

Bourbon County Schools Celebrate Rich Musical Tradition and Achievements of Bands

Bourbon County Schools proudly recognizes the outstanding achievements and dedication of its student musicians in the Bourbon County High School Marching Band, the Bourbon County High School Band program, and the Bourbon County Middle School Band. These programs consistently demonstrate excellence, bringing home numerous accolades and enriching our community with their performances.

Bourbon County High School Marching Band: A Legacy of Champions and National Recognition

The Bourbon County High School Marching Band, also known as the “Marching Colonels,” has established itself as a perennial powerhouse in the Kentucky and national marching band circuits. Their record of excellence is a testament to the students’ hard work, the directors’ vision, and the unwavering support of the school and community.

The Marching Colonels’ impressive list of achievements includes: (See Full History.)

  • Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) State Championships & Finalists:
    • State Champions (9 times):
      • Class AAA: 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018
      • Class AAAA: 2022, 2023
    • State Runner-Up (2nd Place):
      • Class AAA: 2024
    • Their championship and high-ranking performances have frequently earned them caption awards for Outstanding General Effect, Outstanding Music Performance, and Outstanding Visual Performance.
  • Bands of America (BOA) Grand National Champions & Finalists:
    • Grand National Class A Champions (6 times):
      • 2008, 2009, 2010, 2017, 2019, 2023
    • Grand National Class A Runner-Up (2nd Place):
      • 2024
    • Grand National Class A Third Place:
      • 2015, 2016, 2021, 2022
    • Grand National Class AA Third Place:
      • 2011
    • These consistent high placements at BOA events solidify their status as one of the nation’s premier marching ensembles.
  • Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (2022): In a highlight that brought national attention, the Bourbon County High School Marching Band was one of only ten bands selected from across the country to perform in the 2022 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

Under the direction of Eric Hale and previously Michael Stone, the band has been recognized for its innovative shows, musicality, and precision. Students often begin their marching band journey in middle school, showcasing a strong pipeline of talent and dedication within the district. The band is known for its rigorous practice schedule and the strong sense of family and discipline it instills in its members.

Bourbon County High School Band Program: Cultivating Musical Excellence

Beyond the marching field, the Bourbon County High School band program offers students opportunities to develop their musical talents in concert settings. While specific recent awards for the concert band ensembles are not as widely publicized as those for the marching band, the program focuses on providing a comprehensive music education. Students in the high school band program participate in various performances, including home football games, local parades like the Christmas parade, and KMEA concert band assessments. The dedication to musical fundamentals and ensemble performance is a core component of the curriculum.

Bourbon County Middle School Band: Building Foundations for Success

The Bourbon County Middle School Band program plays a crucial role in fostering a love for music and developing young musicians. The program emphasizes musical excellence, hard work, dedication, and high standards.

Key aspects of the middle school band program include:

  • Commitment to Growth: The program, under the direction of Ty Carver (who also serves as an assistant director for the high school marching band), strives to make students better musicians and individuals.
  • KMEA Participation: The Bourbon County Middle School Band has a history of achieving distinguished ratings in the KMEA Large Ensemble Festival circuit, showcasing the quality of instruction and student performance.
  • Individual Achievements: Students from the middle school program have successfully auditioned for and been selected to participate in prestigious ensembles such as the Kentucky Music Educators All-State Band. For instance, in early 2025, 8th-grade trumpeter Carter Massey and 7th-grade French Horn player Alex Gerardo Perez Bernal earned spots in the All-State Band.
  • Performance Opportunities: Middle school band students participate in several mandatory concerts throughout the year, including fall, winter, pre-assessment, and spring concerts. They also have opportunities to participate in honor bands and solo and ensemble festivals.
  • Recruitment and Community Engagement: The middle school band actively engages in recruitment efforts, performing at elementary schools to inspire younger students to join the band program.

The band programs in Bourbon County are a significant point of pride for the district, consistently ranking among the top-performing activities. The high level of student participation speaks to the engaging and rewarding experiences offered. Bourbon County Schools celebrates the continued success of all its band programs and the dedicated student musicians, directors, and supportive families who contribute to this rich musical heritage.