Middleton High School Band Competes in State Marching Championship
The Middleton High School (MHS) band competed on Saturday, November 5, 2022, in the Tennessee Division One State Marching Championship, which was held at Henry County High School in Paris. The band was one of 19 that performed with their sights set on being crowned the State Champions of Marching Band in schools.
“Up to 30 bands from around the state normally compete, but due to the weather only 19 bands performed,” said Dr. Mike Yopp, MHS Director of Bands 6th – 12th grade. “This was the first time we competed, and it was very special to be a part of the event.”
Dr. Yopp took 34 MHS students, which included 28 band members and six color guard members, to the one-day competition. They were accompanied by about 30 parents along with assistant band director Angie Yopp and Coach Craig Harris, who was the bus driver.
The MHS band performs throughout the school year at all home football games, in parades, and presents multiple concerts. Other performance opportunities for high school students include jazz band, indoor percussion, and indoor guard.
“We hope to add an indoor winds group in the future,” said Yopp, who also works with middle school students. “We have a middle school ensemble in which Middleton Middle School students can participate.”
The event gave the band members experience in seeing how other school bands perform, as well as being challenged at a higher performance level. They also learned that despite the weather elements (precipitation), the competition must go on, as all preliminary performances for the 19 bands was done indoors. The final part of the competition was later moved to the football field, after the rain.
“Due to the change in venue, the scoring was different this year,” said Yopp. “We placed 14th in percussion, 16th in color guard, and 15th in music, with an overall ranking of Excellence! Our students now know what is expected at this level and it gave us the foundation to move forward as we strive to bring a state championship to Middleton and Hardeman County.”
This school year, the MHS band also competed in the regional contest, which was held at North Mississippi Jr. College. The MHS band placed 2nd at that event.
“This may be one of the hardest working groups of kids I have worked with in 35 years,” said Yopp. “Their dedication and desire to achieve will take this program to the next level. I tell the kids, you are the ambassadors of the school, town, and county. Never take that responsibility lightly and strive to do your best in everything.”
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