Return to the Field: The Colonel Classic Marches On

In a triumphant return, the Bourbon County Marching Band hosted the 2025 Colonel Classic, held for the first time since 2022. The event was a celebration of music and marching arts at Bourbon County High School, featuring bands from across Kentucky that competed in various classes throughout the day. Here’s a closer look at the bands that performed in the preliminary competition.

Class A

• Paris High School: The Paris High School performed their show, “Surf’s Up,” which has a long-standing history of excellence, with a strong tradition of KMEA Distinguished ratings and multiple appearances in the KMEA State Semi-Finals. The program is known for its high student participation, with a large percentage of the small school’s population involved in the band. In the preliminary competition, they earned a 3rd Place finish in Class A.

• Nicholas County High School: The Nicholas County High School marching band is an active participant in the Kentucky marching band circuit. Their 2025 show was titled “Chroma,” and their program included music with themes of color, such as “Paint it Black” and “True Colors.” They secured 2nd Place in the Class A preliminaries.

• Williamstown High School: The Williamstown High School is a well-regarded ensemble that has earned numerous awards at both the regional and national levels. Their show, “Gone Fishin’,” is a large ensemble, combining students from different grade levels to create a powerful and cohesive performance. The Marching Braves took home 1st Place in Class A, along with the Best Music, Best Visual, and Best Effect awards.

Class AA

• Bardstown High School: The Bardstown High School marching band performed their show, “Dragon Hunt,” and competed in Class AA. The program is known for its dedicated instructional staff and consistently works to develop its students’ musical abilities. They were awarded 2nd Place in the Class AA preliminaries.

• Estill County High School: The Estill County marching band participated in this year’s competition with a show titled “HEX.” The program is actively supported by its community and booster organization, who work to fund their competitive season and provide students with opportunities. Estill County earned 1st Place in Class AA, also winning the Best Music, Best Visual, and Best Effect awards.

Class AAA

• South Laurel High School: The South Laurel High School marching band performed their show, “Monolith,” and is a distinguished ensemble that has earned statewide recognition. The program is part of a multi-faceted music department that also includes concert band, jazz band, and color guard, and they are well-known for hosting their own annual “Cardinal Classic.” In the preliminary competition, they earned 3rd Place.

• East Jessamine High School: The East Jessamine marching band has a history of competition, with a show titled “1866.” The band is a familiar presence at marching band events, with a large group of dedicated students and staff. They secured 4th Place in the Class AAA preliminaries.

• Russell County High School: Russell County’s marching band has a history of intricate and themed shows, with their show titled, “Lovestruck.” This program is one of the larger ensembles in its class, known for its strong winds, percussion, and color guard sections. Russell County earned 1st Place in Class AAA, also winning the Best Music, Best Visual, and Best Effect awards.

• Pulaski County High School: The Pulaski County High School marching band performed their show, “Black Bayou,” and is a fine arts program dedicated to providing students with opportunities to showcase their musical talents. The band is a prominent part of the school’s activities and athletic programs. They finished in 2nd Place in the Class AAA preliminaries.

Class AAAA

• Harrison County High School: The Harrison County High School marching band is a highly decorated program with a rich history of success. The band has made 25 appearances in the KMEA State Finals and won five state championships across different classes. Their 2025 show was titled “Awakening: Dawn of the Sentient.” They were awarded 1st Place in their class, along with the Best Music, Best Visual, and Best Effect awards.

Class AAAAA

• Campbell County High School: The Campbell County performed their show, “Desert Alchemy,” and is a well-established program. They are known for their consistent performances and have been featured in various school and community events, showcasing their talent through concerts and other musical ensembles. In the preliminary competition, they earned 1st Place along with the Best Music and Best Visual awards.

• Paul Laurence Dunbar High School: The Paul Laurence Dunbar High School marching band is a nationally recognized ensemble with a distinguished record of excellence. The program has made 30 KMEA State Finals appearances and has won numerous regional and national championships, including multiple Bands of America Regional Championships. Their 2025 show was titled “Vigilante.” They secured 2nd Place and the Best Effect award in Class AAAAA.

Finals Competition

Following the preliminary awards, the top-scoring bands from all classes advanced to the finals, where they competed for overall placements and the coveted title of Grand Champion. The finals were a chance for the most distinguished bands of the day to showcase their performance once more, with a focus on overall effect and precision.

Here were the results for the finals:

• 12th Place: Bardstown High School
• 11th Place: Paris High School
• 10th Place: Nicholas County High School
• 9th Place: East Jessamine High School
• 8th Place: Williamstown High School
• 7th Place: South Laurel High School
• 6th Place: Pulaski County High School
• 5th Place: Russell County High School
• 4th Place: Harrison County High School
• 3rd Place: Estill County High School
• Reserve Grand Champion: Campbell County High School
• Grand Champion: Paul Laurence Dunbar High School

Overall Caption Awards:

• Best Overall Visual: Paul Laurence Dunbar High School
• Best Overall Music: Paul Laurence Dunbar High School
• Best Overall Effect: Paul Laurence Dunbar High School

Congratulations to all the bands and their directors for an outstanding day of performances.