SNOW HILL, N.C. — After decades, the Greene Central High School band made a remarkable return to North Carolina’s statewide music competition, and the outcome was unforgettable.
On March 19, band director Andrew Howell approached his students with a heavy heart, suggesting they had embarked on a significant journey together. Students, expecting a not-so-great outcome, exchanged worried glances.
Then, in a surprising twist, Howell unveiled a plaque recognizing the band with a superior rating, the highest accolade from the North Carolina Bandmasters Association. The bus erupted in cheers and excitement, a moment captured in a video that has since garnered widespread attention.
“I didn’t expect to receive a superior rating,” said band member Haley Kinzler. “I thought it was going to be a disappointing moment.”
In the years prior, the band had dwindled to just a handful of members, last participating in the competition in 1987.
While Greene Central High wasn’t the only school to earn a superior rating at the competition, Howell emphasized how significant this achievement was for them, marking a historic moment for the band.
Since taking over the band program in 2019, Howell expressed his eagerness to inspire and nurture talent. After hearing the results, he momentarily composed his thoughts for a speech, but ultimately, the genuine excitement of his students took precedence.
“Sharing in their joy during such a huge accomplishment is incredibly rewarding,” Howell reflected on the experience.
