SNOW HILL, N.C. — For the first time in decades, Greene Central High School’s band made their mark in North Carolina’s state-level music competition. While their ambition was to perform commendably, the outcome was beyond what they had dreamed of.
As the competition concluded on March 19, band director Andrew Howell approached the bus where his students patiently awaited the news. He was solemn, and his initial words conveyed the idea of a growth experience, which left the band members disheartened. Their spirits sank as they readied themselves for disappointing news.
However, Howell soon shifted the mood by revealing a plaque showcasing their “superior” rating, the highest accolade from the North Carolina Bandmasters Association, leading to an eruption of euphoria among the students. Captured by trumpet player Haley Kinzler, their joyous celebration quickly gained viral traction on TikTok and other social media platforms.
“I really didn’t see a superior rating coming,” Kinzler expressed. “At first, I thought the video was going to highlight the opposite.”
The group’s path to this accomplishment was remarkable, considering that just a few years ago, their band numbered less than twenty and hadn’t participated in the competition since 1987.
Although Greene Central High School wasn’t the solitary winner of a superior rating, this was their debut with such an honor, Howell mentioned. This marked a significant milestone for the band under his leadership since he took over the program in 2019.
Upon hearing of their achievement, Howell took a moment for composure, crafting a speech in his mind that was promptly abandoned once he joined the students on the bus.
“I share in their joy when success is at hand, and witnessing their elation was by far the most gratifying aspect of the entire journey,” Howell reflected.