Fannin Co. High School Marching Band Wins Grand Championship

The Fannin County Band has had an outstanding competitive season. Our 2019 marching show is
titled: “Tribute to the American Spirit” honors the determination and patriotism of our military, law
enforcement, firemen, and leadership that have made our country great.

On September 28th, The Fannin County High School Marching Band earned 1st place in Class 4A
at the Armuchee Invitational Band Contest. The Band earned a superior band rating, superior drumline
rating, superior drum major rating, and excellent rating in colorguard. Lora Gwatney earned 1st place
drum major in class 4A; the drumline earned second place in class 4A, and the colorguard earned third
place in class 4A. The band earned an overall 3rd place finish out of 14 bands for the day regardless of
classification.

On October 5th, The Fannin County High School Band earned Grand Champion at the Lake
Lanier Tournament of Bands at Chestatee High School. The band earned the highest score of the day out
of 14 bands regardless of class. The band also earned 1st place colorguard, 1st place percussion, Lora
Gwatney earned 1st place drum major, with an overall 1st place band in class 4-A competition. In
addition band, in addition, earned straight superior ratings in band, colorguard, percussion, and drum
major.

On October 12th, The Fannin County High School Band hosted the Blue Ridge Mountain
Marching Festival hosted by the Fannin County High School Band Booster Club with 19 bands from
around North Georgia and East Tennessee attending. The Fannin County Band performed for a standing
room only crowd and earned a standing ovation from the many bands in attendance.
Fannin County has a proud and rich tradition of excellence in bands beginning with the West
Fannin High School Band, then in 1976 through the present with the Fannin County High School Band.
The band has consistently earned superior ratings in all areas of performance.

Directors Scott Barnstead, Mike Weaver, and Donna Weaver would like to thank our
hard-working Band Booster Club parents and their president Sherry Gibbs for all they have helped make
possible through fundraising, feeding, collect donations, and supporting our students in every way
possible, We would also like to thank Erik Cioffi, Principal, and Dr. Michael Gwatney, Superintendent, for
ensuring that band and the arts are valued in the education of the whole child. And finally we would like
to thank our communities in Fannin County that have always been enthusiastic supporters of the band.
We look forward to seeing you soon as we continue to support the Fannin County High School Rebel
Football Program, cheering them on to victory!