Local marching bands to compete at state competitions

Published 6:00 pm Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Courtesy of Harlan Ind. Schools

The Harlan High School Marching Band will be making their 12th consecutive trip to Bowling Green for the Kentucky Music Educators Association’s (KMEA) State Band Competition. Under the direction of Betsy Burkhart and Jeff Harrison, the Harlan High School marching band placed sixth in the Class A East Region competition — which qualifies for a chance to compete for a state championship. Harlan High School will compete Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at Greenwood High School. General admission tickets are available on site for $12. The band works tirelessly and perform long hours of practice and preparation.

Courtesy of Harlan County Schools

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The long hours of practice during the hot days of summer and the windy rainy days of fall are paying off for the Harlan County High School marching band. The band will travel to Bowling Green this weekend to make its first-ever appearance in the Kentucky Music Educators Association’s (KMEA) Division AA semifinals. The HCHS band was one of eight bands to advance from the quarterfinals held last weekend at George Rogers Clark High School in Winchester. They will join eight bands advancing from the west region, for a total of 16 in the AA semifinals. Band directors are Jeremy Bell, Shawn Hodge, John Hodge and Eric Barnes.

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