Three schools for the Lexington-Richland District Five have earned high honors at the South 3A and 4A marching band championships on Saturday, Oct. 16, showcasing their hard work and dedication.

Chapin High, Dutch Fork High and Irmo High competed and performed in their classifications.

In marching band competitions, according to the South Carolina Band Directors Association (SCBDA), groups are categorized based on school size and enrollment, with 4A bands representing larger schools compared to 3A.

The SCBDA also reports that 3A bands typically compete against others of similar size, while 4A bands compete withing their classification.

At the end of the competition, Chapin High’s marching band was named the 4A Lower State Champion and finished as the 4A State Championship runner-up.

Chapin’s band director, Alex Clark, praised his students’ hard work and commitment.

"I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication the students had this season,” Clark said in a press release. “We as directors and staff challenged these students and they responded incredibly well. I could not be more thankful for our amazing students, staff, parents, volunteers, and community members in their contribution and support for Chapin Bands!"

Dutch Fork High’s Silver Spirit Band also competed in the 4A division and earned a superior rating, with finishing in seventh overall.

The Dutch Fork band director Joseph Miller reflected on his first season at the school.

"You never know what to expect when taking over a program at a new school...  But this season went extremely well, especially considering the challenges the students, staff, and directors all faced during this transition,” Miller said. “I couldn't be happier with the way everyone welcomed me to Dutch Fork and pitched in to get it done this season, it really took a village!  We knew it would be challenging, but we all just jumped right in and got to work on making our season successful.  These "rock-star" students, parents, and this talented staff, all joined forces and made it happen...we represented School District Five at the highest level!"  

Irmo High’s marching band competed in the 3A division and advanced to the finals of the state championships after a strong performance at the preliminaries. The band came in ninth place.

The coordinator of athletics, visual and performing arts, and physical education for District Five, Steven Puckett, congratulated all three bands on their impressive achievements.

“What a tremendous accomplishment by our talented and hardworking School District Five marching bands,” said Puckett in the press release. “Our district is proud to celebrate the arts in the classroom, on the field and beyond.  It was amazing to see our community come together and support our students this competition season.”