The Fayette County High Marching Tigers made their own history by placing fifth overall in the Bands of America Regional Championship, the highest placement the band has ever received at this competition.

A total of 21 bands from South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio and Georgia participated in the championship, which was held in Massillon, Ohio the weekend of October 17. The band’s finals performance score was only 5.4 points from first place.

In addition to making the finals, the band also won its second “Class Placement Award” by placing third in their class of nine bands. The Marching Tigers earned their first such award last year at the Atlanta Super-Regional.

Another honor for the band included being ranked number one of all 21 bands competing by the Music Performance Ensemble adjudicator.

The band is under the direction of Dr. Myra Rhoden. Assistant band director is Jonathan Broome.

That same weekend the Whitewater High Marching Band received a superior rating at the Eagle’s Nest Invitational Band Competition in Gwinnett County.

Out of 11 bands that competed, Whitewater was one of only two that received superior ratings for all areas of competition judged including percussion, drum major, color guard and band.

Whitewater pulled away from the pack by receiving the awards for Best in Class Brass Section, Best in Class Woodwinds, Best in Class Music and first place in Class 4A competition. In overall competition, Whitewater won Grand Champion of the invitational and brought home the coveted six-foot trophy.

The band is under the direction of Jack Jean. Assistant band director is Robert Truan.