After claiming their first state championship two years ago, the Marching Maroons have kept an ironclad grip on the traveling Governor’s Trophy awarded to the top AAAA band.
Saturday night’s performance at the University of Louisville Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium added another chapter to MNHHS’s musical legacy.
Band Boosters President Vicki Grimm said the Maroons rose to the occasion to edge Calloway County for the title.
“Bottom line, it was the best performance of the season,” she said. “Tonight proved that they are state champions. This was a tough one, but they pulled it through.”
The Marching Maroons previously earned Kentucky Music Educators Association Class AAAA state titles in 2005 and 2006.
MNHHS qualified for the finals by finishing in the top four during the semifinal competition earlier Saturday at Meade County High School in Brandenburg.
“They did one of their best performances of the season, extremely so,” said Grimm said.
In the semifinals, MNHHS earned first place, followed by Calloway County, Rowan County and Harrison County. Scores were not available at presstime for the finals Saturday night.
Grimm said the numerous solos performed by the Maroons stood out in the
state finals. The music was excellent, she said, and helped separate the band from the other three finalists.
A police escort was planned for the band’s return to Madisonville late Saturday night. The school likely will have some type of celebration this week for the state championship.
“It is a dynasty,” Grimm said. “We are very blessed to have it for three years in a row. It has made it very sweet.”
The latest championship was emotional for many, including Grimm, who is leaving the Band Boosters after eight years. Her son, Addisson Grimm, is one of 27 seniors on the Marching Maroons.
“It’s been a very physical and tough year of marching,” she said. “Tonight, it really excited us to many tears.”
Lori Harrison
Staff Writer
Reprinted by permission of The Messenger
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