By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Union City High School’s Marching Tornado Band ended its fall competition season on a “high note.”
The Purple People competed for the final time this season at the Mid-South Marching Invitational on the campus of Austin Peay State University recently and brought home a large haul of awards.
Among those honors were:
- 1st place overall color guard
- 1st place color guard in class
- 2nd place percussion in class
- 3rd place visual performance in class
- 10th place overall in a field of 25 bands.
With an impressive class of 25 seniors setting the tone, the Marching Tornadoes exhibited gradual improvement throughout the competition season – culminating with the group’s stellar performance in Clarksville.
Veteran director Jason Deem proudly acknowledged the entire unit for their diligent improvement, especially noting the senior members.
“I am extremely proud of the senior class for stepping up and ‘taking the bull by the horns’ with our younger students,” Deem said. “Our successes would not have been possible without their help and leadership this season.
“I was really happy with the growth all the students made from band camp to the end of the season, considering over half of the band had never experienced a competitive band season. “It was great for the students to enjoy a competitive season after taking last year off due to Covid.”
Among this year’s group of band seniors were: Chandler Adams, Carson Aldridge, Gissel Carranza, Kamia Cross, Kaylee Daniels, Alex Del-Castillo, Amber Finch, Addi Hooks, Ariel Hughes, Julissa Hurtado, Gaby Jones, Hope Kennedy, Elizabeth Lattus and Abbi Nicks.
Other seniors were Alexa Nolan, Aidee Rodriguez, Emma Ross, Lydia Runions, Arden Stanley, Maggie Suiter, Cameron Thompson, Ella Virgin, Aaliyah Ward, Carter Watts, and Anna Willett.
The Marching Tornadoes had earlier experienced success in contests at Gibson County High School and Paragould, Ark., after an abbreviated first part of the season that saw one competition canceled due to weather and the UC Invitational called off.
Deem said he’s already turned his attention to next fall’s show and competition slate.
“I am looking forward to planning and getting the ball rolling for our production next fall,” he added.
“Once again, this year, I’d like to extend a sincere thank you to our Board of Education, Mr. (Wes) Kennedy, Mr. (Michael Paul) Miller, Mr. (Jacob) Cross, and Mr. (John) Graham for their support of instrumental music in Union City Schools. That continuous support and that support of our great community for the tradition of excellence in band is unmatched.”