As we wrap up Music in our Schools Month, Clover School District (CSD) would like to pay tribute to the Bands of Clover for an outstanding fall season.

The band kicked off the school year for CSD with a performance at the annual staff Convocation in August. 

In addition to sharing their talents with our community at Friday night football games, the band had its own competitive season as well. At the C. Phillip McIntyre Tournament of Bands, CHS was named Grand Champion and was honored for Music Performance, Visual Performance and Overall Effect.

At the Pride of Robinson Invitational Competition, CHS was named the 5A Grand Champion and received first place honors for Color Guard, Percussion, Music Performance, Visual Performance and Visual Effect.

At the Bands of America Regional Championships in Johnson City, TN, the band won first place in the 4A category and was honored for Music Effect, Visual Effect and General Effect.

They also received fourth place in the 5A South Carolina State Band Championship, the highest score and placement in school history as a 5A Band.

Additionally, the Trumpet Ensemble was named a semifinalist in the National Trumpet Competition and will travel this month for the second round of semi-finals in Boulder, Colorado. Last year, this trumpet ensemble finished second nationally among all high school trumpet groups.  The Winter Guard also slated a Top-10 finish in the Winter Guard International Regional competition in Tampa, Florida and will compete in the Carolina Winter Ensemble Championships in April..  The Clover High School Indoor Drumline competed at the Winter Guard International Regional Competition in Richmond, Virginia and was named the Scholastic Open Champion.  They are scheduled to travel to the WGI world championships in April. 

Awards for individual musicians were also plentiful. Seventy-four students were named to the Region Six All-Region Band in Spartanburg. Five students were named to the All-State Band, and another seven were named alternates. CHS Principal Rod Ruth was honored as the South Carolina Music Educators Association (SCMEA) Honor Administrator of the Year, nominated by Associate Director of Bands, Courtney Wyatt. 

The Clover community is fortunate to have so many opportunities to enjoy band performances. This year, they appeared at the inaugural CHS Trunk or Treat, marched in the Clover Holiday Parade, entertained at various school and community events, hosted a holiday concert in the Clover School District Auditorium and performed at the ground breaking ceremony for new facilities on the Clover High School campus.

The Bands of Clover are currently preparing for an exciting trip to Dublin, Ireland and our sister city of Larne in Northern Ireland, in March 2024 to perform in the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade & festivities. You can support their efforts with a donation.