23-24 Year in Review

The Bryan Station Bands have had a standout year, exceeding all expectations and growing for the future.

This year, our bands performed over 30 compositions, ranging from standard repertoire to contemporary and unique.

The BSHS Bands attended five KMEA adjudicated events.

  • The Symphonic Band attended and received straight distinguished ratings at the District Assessment at the EKU Center for the Performing Arts.
  • The Symphonic Band also participated in the State Band Festival, this year at Louisville Male High School, again earning straight distinguished ratings and accolades from those in attendance. This was the first performance by a BSHS Band at the state band festival in decades.
  • The Jazz Ensemble participated in the KMEA State Jazz Festival at Great Crossing High School, earning straight distinguished ratings with two performing ensembles.
  • The Concert Band performed at the District 7 Assessment at Scott County HS, earning a proficient rating.
  • Our chamber ensemble program demonstrated its depth and resiliency at the KMEA Solo and Ensemble Festival, earning a mix of distinguished and proficient ratings.

BSHS ensembles also participated in some unique opportunities. The Jazz Ensemble traveled to Cincinnati to participate in the Essentially Ellington Regional Festival, hosted by CCM’s Jazz Studies program. They performed an all Ellington program, with each selection coming from this year’s EE competition library. Many band members earned outstanding soloist honors. The Jazz Ensemble also submitted to the Essentially Ellington Non Competitive festival, an online feedback program sponsored by Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York.

The Brass Quintet performed at the MacCauley Chamber Music Festival at UofL, earning second place and a $500 cash prize!

The Pride of the Northside Marching Band performed in exhibition at the PLD Contest – the first appearance at a local contest in 10 years. The band performed at the Lexington 4th of July Parade, Lexington Christmas Parade, and the Roots and Heritage Parade. The band also gave witness to a standout football season, performing throughout the reuglar season and playoffs, capping off with an appearance at the KHSAA State Finals at Kroger Field.

Lastly, the band enjoyed a fall break trip to Orlando, visiting 3 Disney World Parks, Universal Studios, and Cocoa Beach. While in Florida, the band performed at the Disney Imagination Campus at Epcot, participating in their movie soundtrack scoring session.