The DeKalb County High School Fighting Tiger Band gave another rousing performance at the 2023 Yellow Jacket Marching Invitational. Under the direction of Band Director Don Whitt, the band placed first at the September 30th competition in Trousdale County. The band not only bested Coffee County and Livingston Academy in the Class B category, DeKalb also placed third overall.

“I’m so proud of my DeKalb Fighting Tiger band,” Director Whitt said. “I think it was said best by one of our parents, Megan Mosley, who said our kids are on fire.  I can attest to that. We have had a lot of great things going well for us this season. We have students that have bought into the discipline, hard work and dedication. They are learning to work together and play as a team. They are listening to our instructions and paying attention to details and showing a sign of success. I am so very proud of our students.”

The D.C.H.S. Color Guard placed first in its class and first overall. The percussion section placed second in its division.  Senior Trumpeter Ayden Jones was named Top Soloist for which he received the Tracy Luna Memorial Award.

“He knocked his trumpet solo out of the park with our rendition of “When A Man Loves a Woman,” Whitt said. “I have watched this young man growing in his abilities every day in his hours of personal practice time. The caveat to this competition was that the award is named in memory of our late beloved band director Tracy Luna. When his name was called for this award, we were all more than a little emotional. I know this meant a lot to Ayden Jones. I know Tracy would have given Ayden a high five from heaven.”

“It is truly an honor to receive this award,” Ayden said.

“I would like to give a shout out to all of my band boosters that make my life easier but fun!  Some will do everything from working in the concessions to making sure our antiquated musical instruments that have broken down are fixed or rebuilt.  I also want to thank the staff Max Patterson and Shannon Johns, leadership, parents, and support that make all of this happen,” Whitt added.

In addition, for the second year in a row the DeKalb County High School Fighting Tiger Marching Band has received an invite to the state championship. Director Whitt says the band will be performing first at the 42nd Annual Tennessee Division II State Marching Band Championship.

“We have a tremendous team of people that we work with,” Director Whitt said. “We will have to be on our A game regardless of when we go on. We are going up against some very talented bands. I am very humbled and honored to be able to not only work with such an amazing team of students but also to represent DeKalb County and its community.  We have so many things to be proud of including our band boosters, teachers and administration.  

The state championship will take place November 4th at Stewarts Creek High School.