The Elizabethton High School Betsy Band won the title of Grand Champion in the Hilltopper Invitational against two bands in the Class AAAA division and overall against 20 other bands from East Tennessee and western North Carolina.
“I’m used to nervousness, but at this, there was a sense of anticipation — they wanted to prove something,” said Band Director Perry Elliott.
The top-scoring band proudly brought home seven trophies: Grand Champion, Top Drum Line, Top Color Guard, Highest Music score, Best Marching, Best General Effects, First Place in Class AAAA.
“It was a good day to bring home the medal,” Elliott said. “They were elated.”
He said that competing at Western Carolina was what made the difference. At that competition, they saw some of the most talented and largest bands from the mid-South region, which is what Elliot said made them the most contest-ready. He said they were calm, collected and business-like.
“When they got on the field, they were confident,” he said. “Instead of thinking about what they had to do, they flipped the switch and had fun entertaining with a high energy performance.”
The bands are ranked in four categories by size, and Betsy was followed by the marching bands of Carter High School and Bearden High School in Class AAAA.
Their next and final competition for the year will be in two weeks at the Tennessee Division II State Marching Band Championships at Stewarts Creek High School.
“We’re exactly where we want to be two weeks out as far as talent and ability level,” said Elliott.