The Montevallo High School Marching Troubadours excelled again in their competitive marching season.  The band earned high marks for music and marching performance in three competitions around the state.  Each festival includes bands from throughout Alabama, representing both large and small schools.  Under the direction of Perry Lawley, the Troubadours measured well in competitions with bands double or triple their size, as evidenced in the results listed below. 

 Lawley consistently points to the hard work and diligence of the band students.  “The talent and discipline level of these students are truly top-notch,” Lawley said.  “They embrace the pride and tradition of the Troubadours and embrace the challenge of high expectations that I ask of them.”

 The results of the three band competitions for the Troubadours are as follows:

 Pride of Hayden Marching Festival, Hayden, Alabama – October 19, 2013

Superior ratings in Drum Major, Color Guard, Dance Line, Majorette, Percussion, and Band.

Best in Class Band for Class AA.

Band score average of 95.33 was second place out of 20 bands in the entire festival.

Lake Martin Invitational, Alexander City, Alabama – October 5, 2013

Superior ratings in Drum Major, Color Guard, Majorette, Percussion, and Band.

Excellent rating in Dance Line.

Best in Class Band for Class AA.

Fourth place overall in the following categories: High Marching, High Music, and Band average.

Dixie Jubilee Jam Marching Festival, Weaver, Alabama – September 28, 2013

Superior ratings in Drum Major, Color Guard, Dance Line, Majorette, Percussion, and Band.

Fourth place overall in Band average.

“I have been in the Troubadours for four years, and I can say we’ve grown and improved each year.  It was an honor to lead this band through the successes of the year,” said Senior Drum Major Chris Seeboth, who is proud of the band’s accomplishments. 

Lawley is a firm believer in the ability of music to develop interpersonal skills, which is commonly referred to as soft skills.  Lawley constantly emphasizes such soft skills as peer support, punctuality, respect, and self-discipline. 

Auxiliary sponsor McKenzie Britnell, who also teaches Spanish at MHS, qualifies the importance of these non-musical topics that are evident in the students. 

“There are lots that have heard the Marching Troubadours in performance, but many probably don’t understand the dedication, leadership, work ethic, and passion that is required of these students,” said Brittnell.  “Our students strive to develop these intangibles, and they’re successful because of it.”

The Montevallo band program continues a rich concert band tradition and consistently earns Superior ratings in concert band assessments each year.  The MHS band will perform in a Fall Concert on November 5, at 6:30 p.m. in the MHS Performing Arts Center.  Admission is free and the event is open to the public.