From start to finish, the Paul Laurence Dunbar marching band had a season to remember. Many came into this season skeptically due to Mr. Hood’s retirement and the appointment of Ms. Teresa Elliott as the new band director. However, as the season took off, it was clear that Ms. Elliott wasn’t going to let anything stand in her way of making this year’s marching band the best that it could be.

The marching band had many successes throughout the competition season. Their first victory was at North Laurel High School, where they were awarded with the Grand Champion title. In Dayton, Ohio at the Bands of America (BOA) Regional, the Dunbar band took first place in class 3A in preliminary performance. Unfortunately, due to inclement weather, Bands of America was forced to cancel the night’s finals performance in which the Bulldogs would have completed. However, the rainy weather didn’t dampen the students’ attitudes as they proudly wore their medals.

The season wasn’t all smooth sailing. In an unexpected turn of events, on the band’s way to their last regular competition of the season, they were involved in a bus accident. Thankfully, only one student suffered an injury, and it was very minor. After the shock wore off and two replacement buses were called in, the band continued on to compete in the competition. 

To finish off the season, the Bulldogs competed in the State Championships. They placed fourth in their preliminary performance. After a short practice and some much-needed rest, the Dunbar band prepared to take the field one last time in finals performance. Unfortunately, just shortly after the band warmed up, it started raining. However, the band pushed through, determined to have the performance of their lives. They poured their hearts out into their last performance, not letting anything hold them back. The band was awarded third place, only .25 points behind North Hardin High School and Madison Central High School.

Band director, Ms. Teresa Elliott couldn’t have hoped for a better season. “At the beginning of the season people had their doubts if we would even be in finals,” said Ms. Elliott. “Not only did we make finals, we had the best performance of the year.” She is now looking forward to having a great concert season.

“The point spread doesn’t matter. This is the first year in my marching band career where the band has expressed a truly family-like unity throughout. I’ll never forget what this band gave me. This season has been the perfect conclusion to a part of my life that, while now over, will stay with me forever,” said senior trumpet Jacob Chafin.

The 2015 Dunbar Marching Band season started off as a group of hesitant high school students. It ended a group of confident friends. This season was definitely one to remember.