School District Five marching bands place in State Championship competitions

For Immediate Release – November 4, 2024

School District Five marching bands place in State Championship competitions

IRMO – Lexington-Richland School District Five marching bands earned high marks in the state 3A and 4A marching band championship held October 26, 2024.

Chapin High School’s Pride of the Midlands Marching Band was named the 4A Lower State Champion on Saturday and placed Runner-up in the 4A State Championship.

"I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication the students had this season,” Chapin High School Band Director Alex Clark said. “We as directors and staff challenged these students and they responded incredibly well. I could not be more thankful for our amazing students, staff, parents, volunteers, and community members in their contribution and support for Chapin Bands!"

The Dutch Fork Silver Spirit band competed in class 4A competition at the 2024 SCBDA State marching band championships held on 10/26 at River Bluff High School in Lexington SC.  The Silver Spirit received a Superior Rating, qualified for finals, and placed 7th overall in finals competition.  

"You never know what to expect when taking over a program at a new school...  But this season went extremely well, especially considering the challenges the students, staff, and directors all faced during this transition,” Dutch Fork High School Band Director Joseph Miller said. “I couldn't be happier with the way everyone welcomed me to Dutch Fork and pitched in to get it done this season, it really took a village!  We knew it would be challenging, but we all just jumped right in and got to work on making our season successful.  These "rock-star" students, parents, and this talented staff, all joined forces and made it happen...we represented School District Five at the highest level!"  

The Irmo marching band came in 9th place at the state 3-A prelims in a field of 22 competitors. They advanced to finals that night and came in 9th again. The students had to overcome adversity all season as they welcomed a new leader.

“I took over the program in late August once a lot of things were already in place for the season and the kids acclimated to my methods quite well,” Irmo High School Band Director Tyrell James said. “I couldn't be prouder of the students for the way they performed this season and at this competition.”

“What a tremendous accomplishment by our talented and hardworking School District Five marching bands,” said School District Five Coordinator of Athletics, Visual & Performing Arts, and Physical Education Steven Puckett. “Our district is proud to celebrate the arts in the classroom, on the field and beyond.  It was amazing to see our community come together and support our students this competition season.”

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