MEDIA INFO

Letter to the Editor of The State Newspaper, November 14, 2011

Irmo High School band showed class

Finals for 5A bands were held Nov. 5. Lexington-Richland 5 had two rival high schools, Irmo and Dutch Fork, competing to make the eight spots for finals. If a band is not chosen to compete for the final round it is common for them to head home after the preliminary award ceremony. Dutch Fork made the cut; the Irmo band did not. Instead of heading home though, they stayed to cheer Dutch Fork on.

I can not tell you the feeling I had working pit and setting up for the final show while I heard the Irmo students screaming “Dutch Fork! Dutch Fork!” and “Go Foxes” from the stands. I heard them cheering during the band’s performance and again after the final notes were played.

When the final awards were announced the emcee made reference to all the performers being winners. I feel these Irmo High students truly are. They should be commended for their superior sportsmanship as they did not let a rivalry stop their support of us. They are a fine example of community. They proved what marching band is all about — commitment, dedication to hard work and a love of music and performance. Three cheers for the Bands of Irmo!

Stephen Corsini, Dutch Fork Band Parent
Newberry