Bourbon County Marching Band Triumphs at Dunbar Invitational with Class 3A Sweep and Podium Finish in Finals

The Bourbon County Marching Band delivered an unforgettable showcase of musical precision and visual artistry this past weekend at the annual Paul Laurence Dunbar Invitational, sweeping Class 3A honors in preliminary competition before securing a top-three finish in a competitive 12-school finals field.

Dominating the Class 3A Prelims

Competing in Class 3A semi-finals during the afternoon session, the Marching Colonels set the standard early with a commanding run through their 2026 production. Their dynamic performance resonated across the stadium, capturing first place in a talented field of regional competitors:

• 1st Place: Bourbon County
• 2nd Place: Boyle County
• 3rd Place: Mercer County
• 4th Place: South Laurel
• 5th Place: Martha Layne Collins

Bourbon County also earned a clean sweep of the caption awards in Class 3A, taking home trophies for both Best Color Guard and Best Percussion, highlighting the depth, technical mastery, and synchronized power across both the battery/pit and visual ensembles.

Standing Tall in Finals Competition

Advancing into the evening finals alongside 11 of the region’s premier programs across all class divisions, the Marching Colonels stepped back onto the field under the stadium lights with poise and intensity. In a packed field of 12 finalists, Bourbon County earned an impressive 3rd Place overall, standing tall on the podium among Kentucky’s elite marching band programs:

1. Lafayette High School (Grand Champion)
2. Henry Clay High School (Runner-Up)
3. Bourbon County High School
4. Tates Creek High School
5. Woodford County High School
6. Harrison County High School

(Field of 12 finalist bands)

Source: Myra Miller

Finishing on the podium behind 5A powerhouses Lafayette and Henry Clay—while finishing ahead of nine other standout programs—underscores the program’s long-standing tradition of excellence and competitive drive.

Eyes on the Road Ahead

The Colonels’ double caption win and top-three overall placement in a deep 12-band finals provide tremendous momentum as the ensemble pushes deeper into the fall competitive circuit. With rehearsals continuing this week to polish visual drill and refine musical nuance, the band is setting a high bar for the remainder of the season on the road to the KMEA State Championships.

Congratulations to the student performers, directors, instructional staff, and band boosters on an outstanding weekend of performances!