The Christian County Public Schools (CCPS) Band and Winter Guard programs had an incredibly successful past week, participating in numerous events including their Large Ensemble Performance Assessment, the Murray State Jamey Aebersold Jazz Festival, the West Kentucky Percussion Festival, and the Southeastern Color Guard Circuit (SCGC) Championships. These events showcased the hard work, dedication, and musical talent of students from all Christian County public secondary schools, with exceptional results across all groups involved.
The Christian County High School (CCHS) Symphonic Band had a remarkable showing at the Large Ensemble Performance Assessment, receiving unanimous distinguished ratings from all judges and in all subcategories. This stellar performance earned them the title of “Band of Distinction,” a prestigious honor given to only three high school bands at the event. The CCHS Jazz Ensemble also received unanimous distinguished ratings from all judges in every category, rounding out two successful assessment events.
The Hopkinsville High School (HHS) Concert Band also delivered an outstanding performance at the Large Ensemble Performance Assessment, earning unanimous distinguished ratings from all judges. Similarly, the HHS Jazz Ensemble received unanimous distinguished ratings across all categories and subcategories, finishing up their two assessment events with great outcomes.
The Christian County Middle School 8th Grade Band shone brightly at performance assessment, receiving unanimous distinguished ratings from all judges. This achievement highlights the talent and hard work of young musicians in the district. The Hopkinsville Middle School 8th Grade Band also earned a distinguished rating, as did the Hopkinsville Middle School 7th Grade Band, reflecting the solid foundation being laid for future musical growth in the district.
The Hopkinsville Middle School Jazz Band made an impressive debut at the Murray State Jamey Aebersold Jazz Festival, where they received a unanimous distinguished rating—a remarkable accomplishment for a first-time participant in this event.
All percussion ensembles from Christian County Public Schools participated in the West Kentucky Percussion Festival, with a notable first appearance by the Hopkinsville Middle School Percussion Ensemble. The event provided a platform for students to showcase their percussion skills and engage with fellow musicians from the region, reinforcing the depth of percussion talent within CCPS.
The Hopkinsville-Christian County Winter Guard programs also enjoyed tremendous success during the 2025 season. Featuring students from all four CCPS secondary schools, the Winter Guard programs excelled at the Southeastern Color Guard Circuit (SCGC) Championships. In their inaugural year, the Cadet Winter Guard placed 8th in their division and earned the title of “Kentucky State Champion” of that division. The JV Winter Guard group performed in the SRAA Class, earning the Silver Medal and the title of “Kentucky State Champion” in that class. The Varsity group also earned the Silver Medal and was named “Kentucky State Champion” in their division, further proving the high level of skill and commitment displayed by these talented students.
The success of the CCPS band programs would not be possible without the dedicated leadership of several key directors. The Christian County High School Symphonic Band is directed by Anthony Darnall, with assistant directors including Calvin Warren III, Nathaniel Nash, and Bonnie Cross. Darnall and Nash both conducted pieces at the Large Ensemble Performance Assessment event. The Christian County High School Jazz Ensemble, also under the direction of Anthony Darnall, received tremendous support from Calvin Warren.
At Hopkinsville High School, the Concert Band is directed by Grant Jones, with assistants Addisson Grimm, Deaven Knowles, and Ross Pendleton. Jones and Grimm both conducted works at the Large Ensemble Performance Assessment. The Hopkinsville High School Jazz Ensemble is directed by Addisson Grimm and assisted by Ross Pendleton.
The Christian County Middle School Band is under the direction of Andrea Armour, with assistance from Anthony Darnall and Calvin Warren. The Hopkinsville Middle School Bands, including the 7th and 8th grade bands as well as the Jazz Band, are directed by Brandon McKinley and assisted by Grant Jones, Addisson Grimm, Calvin Warren, and Ross Pendleton.
The percussion ensembles from both Christian County High School and Middle School are directed by Calvin Warren, with the Hopkinsville Middle School Percussion Ensemble directed by Warren and assisted by Ross Pendleton. Theo Hopkinsville High School Percussion Ensemble is directed by Ross Pendleton.
The Hopkinsville-Christian County Winter Guard programs are led by Troy Jones, with additional support from staff members Erica Strine and Lupe Bautista. Their guidance and dedication were crucial to the Winter Guard programs’ success this year, culminating in their exceptional performances at the Southeastern Color Guard Championships.
The Christian County Public Schools Band and Winter Guard programs have once again proven their excellence in musical education, displaying impressive results at state and regional competitions. From the high school concert and jazz bands to the middle school ensembles and Winter Guard teams, the talent and hard work of students across the district shone brightly. Under the direction of dedicated staff and with the support of their communities, these students are setting a high standard of excellence in music and performance.
*Article provided by Anthony Darnall – Director of Bands – Christian County High School*
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