Sweet Surprise for North Carolina School Band

Introduction to the Surprise

It had been decades since Greene Central High School’s band competed in North Carolina’s statewide competition for musicians. While band members hoped to do well, they weren’t prepared for the surprise they got.

The Moment of Truth

It started when band director Andrew Howell solemnly stepped onto the bus where his students from the small school in eastern North Carolina were waiting after the contest on March 19. He told them they had been through a growing experience — comments that were met with groans. Heads dropped, anticipating the worst.

The Big Reveal

Then he pulled out a plaque awarding the band with a superior rating, the North Carolina Bandmasters Association’s highest ranking, setting off screams and cheers. The video of their celebration, recorded by trumpet player Haley Kinzler, has now been seen by millions after it was posted on TikTok and other social media sites.

Reaction to the Surprise

“I didn’t expect to get a superior," Kinzler told The Associated Press. “Halfway through, I thought it was going to be, like, a sad video.”

History of the Band

Just a few years ago, there were only about a dozen students in the band, which last competed in the competition in 1987.

Achievement and Comparison

Greene Central High School wasn’t alone in winning a superior rating at the event, which wasn’t a head-to-head matchup of schools. Howell said. But it was the first time his school’s band had scored that rating, he said.

Director’s Reflection

Howell, who took over the program in 2019, said he took a few minutes to calm himself after learning how well his band had done and composed in his head a speech he had planned to give them. That went out the window when he stepped onto the bus, he said.

Sharing in the Excitement

“I share in their excitement when they’re successful, and just seeing how excited they were for that — I think that was the most rewarding part of the entire experience,” he said.

Conclusion

The surprise and achievement of the Greene Central High School band are a testament to the power of dedication and hard work. Their story serves as an inspiration to other schools and bands, showing that with perseverance and passion, anything is possible.

FAQs

Q: When was the last time Greene Central High School’s band competed in the statewide competition?

A: The last time Greene Central High School’s band competed in the statewide competition was in 1987.

Q: What rating did the band receive at the competition?

A: The band received a superior rating, the North Carolina Bandmasters Association’s highest ranking.

Q: How many students were in the band a few years ago?

A: There were only about a dozen students in the band a few years ago.

Q: Who recorded the video of the band’s celebration?

A: The video of the band’s celebration was recorded by trumpet player Haley Kinzler.