On March 2, 2022, Bristol’s Tennessee High School “Mighty Viking Band” performed at the East Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association’s state-sanctioned Concert Performance Assessment (CPA) event. CPA featured thirty-eight middle and high school bands and orchestras across east Tennessee. It was hosted by Maryville College.
Tennessee High’s Symphonic Band performed two selections, Equilibrium (2015) by Michael Oare, and Corsican Litany (1976) by Vaclav Nelhybel. They were adjudicated in two areas: stage performance and sight-reading. Three adjudicators gave the “Mighty Viking Band” a superior (I) rating, and one judge gave an excellent (II) rating. These combined scores earned an overall Superior Rating for the MVB.
Furthermore, because the band has received superior ratings in both marching and concert band, they will now receive the prestigious Tennessee Bandmasters Sweepstakes Award. This award, indicating overall excellence in music education, is only presented to a small number of band programs across the state.
The “Mighty Viking Band” has not only had a tremendous concert band season collectively, but individually as well. Four students were selected for All-East Jazz Band in January, fifteen students for All-East Band in February, and four students (potentially six) for All-State Band this coming April.
The 2021-2022 school year has proven to be a phenomenal year for the band after an unprecedented year with no competition. With these successes in concert band, and having finished their marching season undefeated in their class, the “Mighty Viking Band” is poised to continue its tradition of excellence for years to come!
If you wish to hear the band perform, they will host their 90th Annual Spring Concert on May 3 in the Tennessee High School “Frank Winston Auditorium.” The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. and is open to the public. Admission is free. The band is under the direction of David Semones. Assistant directors are Brianna Jennings and Spencer Finch.