Now at the end of their competition schedule for the year, the musicians in the Tyler Consolidated High School Knights Marching Band have distinguished themselves yet again. Their conduct on and off the field has earned them the right to be called, “The Pride of Tyler Consolidated”.

In their most recent competition, the Silver Knights competed at the “VikingFest” in Ripley with 16 other bands, earning a first place finish in the Class A competition. The Percussion also earned first place; third place Field Commander; Outstanding soloist, Amanda Goodfellow, in the class; and the Knights brought home the Runner-up Grand Champion trophy, just behind Grand Champions, George Washington High School.

Competing at Ripley were: Class C – Gilmer County, Hundred, Ravenswood, Webster County, Lincoln County, Buffalo and Paden City; Class B – South Charleston, Nitro, Williamstown, Wahama, and Logan; Class A – Tyler Consolidated, Nicholas County, and Brooke; Open – Richwood and George Washington. The Ripley High School Band hosted the competition and performed as the exhibition band.

During the season, the Silver Knights also placed third at the Cabell Midland Band Show and achieved second runner-up to the Grand Champion of the small band division.

They won first place awards in their class at the Sissonville Band Contest. The awards at this competition include: first place honors in music, marching and drums; and Amanda Goodfellow, Outstanding Soloist. The Silver Knights were also awarded as the Grand Champions of the event.

The name of the show performed by the Silver Knight Band is “Afro Latin Rock Explosion”, and music selections include: La Serpiente (The Snake), Viva La Vida, Owambo-percussion feature, and the theme from Shaft.

“I don’t know if people realize just how hard these kids work,” said band director Wayne Smith. “They put in a lot of hours on their own as well as at practice. They’re a dedicated group and I’m so proud of all of them and what they have accomplished.”

The 42 member band has been rehearsing their award winning show since late July. The band not only practices during the school day but also for two hours after school each day. This rigorous practice schedule combined with the hard work and dedication of the band members has resulted in numerous first place awards throughout the competition season and earned the Knight marching band a reputation for being one of the finest in the state.

Smith and the Silver Knight band are supported by a group of dedicated staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to take care of every need that arises. “The band staff has given 100 percent of themselves to insure the success of the marching band. They spend their Friday’s and Saturday’s traveling with the band making sure the students have whatever they need, uniforms, equipment, etc.” Smith said. “In all honesty, I don’t see us performing at all without our band staff and support staff. They are exceptional and we appreciate them more than I can put into words.”

The band staff includes: Sally Conklin, Assistant Director; Cindy Smith, Woodwind Instructor; Matt Jennings, Low Brass and Reeds; and Gina Crawford, Field Commander. The support staff includes: Martin Parrish, Rosemary Haught, Charlie Stewart and Beverly Parrish.

Parents of the Marching Knights play an important role in helping and motivating the band. This year the parents are showing their pride by wearing royal blue shirts and sitting together in the stands at band contests, cheering on the Knights.

Funds which keep the band traveling and performing is supplied by the always hard working Knight Band Patrons. “Another hard working group which we simply would not be able to function without,” Smith said. “The Band Patrons also host the West Virginia Oil and Gas Festival Band-A-Rama which is held at Tyler Consolidated annually in September. This years event was, as usual, well organized and received excellent reviews from everyone in attendance.”

“Students, staff and parents working together are the ingredients needed for a great band,” Smith continued. “Tyler Consolidated is lucky to have all three.”

The Silver Knight Marching Band can be heard at local parades throughout the fall and winter. The annual band Winter Concert will be performed on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Tyler Consolidated High School auditorium.