By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Mission accomplished for the 2025 Union City High School Marching Band.
With a preseason goal of qualifying for the finals in the Division II state championship, the Purple People checked that box with another stellar performance in their final competition of the season last Saturday.
“Our goal in June was to make finals at this competition, and we achieved that against an extremely talented field of competitors,” an obviously pleased UCHS band director Jason Deem said. “Our students grew throughout the season and did an outstanding job.
“Because of the circumstances, I believe that our final performance will be something to be remembered. Even though it began to rain heavily and the wind blew at more than 20 miles per hour when we took the field for the finals, our students persevered and did their absolute best in some really tough elements.”
Union City earned Superior ratings in Band, Percussion, Color Guard, and Drum Major in field of 27 entries in preliminary competition. The group placed fifth in Color Guard, seventh in Band, eighth in Drum Major, and 11th in percussion.
Having qualified for the finals with a Top 10 preliminary showing, UC was fifth in Color Guard, seventh in Band and Drum Major, and ninth in Percussion overall.
Deem had special praise for a group of 15 seniors who marched in their final competition in the event and helped the unit to a plethora of awards in four other contests this fall.
“The leadership from our seniors was absolutely off the chart and a major factor in our success all season,” he claimed. “These students went the extra mile to push the group to improve at each rehearsal. Without their leadership we would not have accomplished the results we had this season.”
Among that group were: (see related photo)
From left: Cara Hawks, Rushdon Howell, Natalie Soto, Nathan Finch, Gavin Arnold, Byron Abbott, Trey Jackson, Brendyn Vazquez, Landon McAdams, Jeremy Rice, Trent Craddock, Eli Jones and Kinsley Campbell. Not pictured are Gracie Worrell and Tristan Lynch
“Overall, I was very pleased with our performances last Saturday and feel we had an outstanding season,” Deem concluded. “Our students represented Union City Schools well at the highest level.
“Our success always starts at the top with (UC Schools Director) Mr. (Wes) Kennedy, (Assistant Director) Mr. (Michael Paul) Miller, and our high school building administration (UCHS Principal) Mr. (Jacob) Cross and (Vice Principal) Mr. (John) Graham. We also get tremendous backing from our Board of Education, and our community, both of whom have been unwavering in their support of our band program.
“As always, it’s great to be a Golden Tornado!”