Gaffney High band turns in golden effort at festival

The Gaffney High Band of Gold debuted new uniforms March 16 at the Cherokee County Arts Expo. The Gaffney High Band of Gold received perfect marks from judges March 23 when it competed in the state's concert band festival.

Gaffney High received superior ratings and straight 100s on each judge's scoring rubric in the South Carolina Band Directors Association Concert Band Festival held at Clover High School.

The festival has been called a "musical SAT" for band students because it looks at musical knowledge on every level. Band members are required to perform three music selections. They are given 10 minutes to silently study and then sight-read two music pieces.

"This is the highest score possible at this event, and the best musical evaluation ever received by the band in the history of Gaffney High School," Band of Gold Director Jeff Kuntz said. "I'm extremely pleased with the performance of the kids who have worked with me this year. These are great kids."

The Gaffney High Winter Guard will face tough competition Saturday when it goes to the CWEA Circuit Championships at the new South Pointe High School in Rock Hill. Gaffney will compete against 11 high schools.

"We are hoping to do our best. If we are able to medal as one of the top three winter guards we will feel extremely fortunate," Kuntz said.

Winter guard is a performing art for color guard members. Schools are placed in different categories based on their experience and skill level.

The winter guard has been named "Scholastic AAA" class champions the past two years in the Carolina Winter Guard Ensemble (CWEA) circuit. The school's winter guard team was promoted to the more difficult "Scholastic AA" class on Feb. 18 at Travelers Rest High School.

"On this night, upon winning their class for the second consecutive time this season, Gaffney was informed that they had been promoted to a higher class," Kuntz said. "This is an unusual occurrence that is unique to the winter guard activity. We were called down front for a special promotion ceremony. To my knowledge, we are the only winter guard team that was promoted this year."

Gaffney High made its debut in the "Scholastic AA" class March 18 at Summit Parkway Middle School. Gaffney finished in second place and received the "Fans Favorite" Award.

Their winter guard show is called "Cry" by Angie Aparo. The song was a 2003 Grammy Winner.