State band competitions back for 2021, students raring to go

MORGANTOWN, Ky. – Brass, woodwind, percussion and the color guard, once again coming together for the marching season of 2021.

Students at schools like Butler County High School for example are getting the field for summer band camps, a time used to prepare for fall competitions. This comes as the competition season was called off for 2020, meaning these students are raring to get back to the competition scene for 2021.

“I’m actually really, really excited, because I had fun my freshman year, and I was really bummed when Covid started, because I was really looking forward to my sophomore year. I’m really pumped about it,” said Butler County High School rising junior Elizabeth Smaluk.

“I’m excited and a little nervous, because it’s been a while since we’ve been on the field, but I’m more excited to be out there with everybody in the band,” said Butler County High School rising senior Alex Coleman.

Without the competition scene for 2020, students say a huge piece of the experience was missing. With competitions being back on, students say there will be even more opportunities to make memories with family and friends.

“My sister was a part of this, so she kind of inspired me to join. It’s just a really big family, so that really inspired me,” said Butler County High School rising senior Olivia Hunt.

The Kentucky Music Educators Association quarterfinals as of now will be Oct. 23, with semifinals and finals Oct. 30 at the University of Kentucky.