The Strom Thurmond High School Symphonic Band received top honors at the South Carolina State Concert Festival. The band earned an overall rating of Superior by performing three prepared selections and a sightreading selection they have never seen. They are adjudicated by highly qualified instrumental music professionals from across the country. The band is given five minutes to listen to instruction by the band director and discuss the sightreading piece before making sounds on their instruments.

According to Band director Van Clark, “We have one shot at the sightreading. playing the music 85% correct is not good enough. We must perform at a high level. This is the state evaluation of our program and what is being taught in the classroom. The Concert Band program at Strom Thurmond must always remain the foundation for all of the other branches of our program which include the Rebel Regiment Marching Band, Jazz Band, Region and All-State Auditions and Solo & Ensemble Contest which happens in May.”