Consider it a brief musical rest. As the school year comes to an end, the Enka High School band is making note of several successes, while preparing for a milestone event in the months ahead.
“The largest success of the Enka band program is without a doubt how well-rounded we are, with celebrations from our smallest to largest ensembles,” shared Enka director of bands Kevin Young, reflecting on the year. “The Enka Marching Band competed in its second Bands of America Regional and finished sixth at the Western Carolina Tournament of Champions. We were the second highest band from North Carolina at that contest.”
The season also included a second place finish at the Music in the Castle competition in Tennessee, and top five finishes for the Winterguard at each of its shows. The Enka percussion program scored a noteworthy achievement as well. Under the direction of Enka Band Alumni Marquis Mann, percussionists competed in the CWEA circuit, which is a local circuit and finished first in every show and were 2nd in the Championship Round. From there they traveled to Dayton, Ohio to compete in the WGI World Championships.
“This is the first group in Western North Carolina to ever compete at the national level in this event,” Mr. Young explained. “Not only did they go, they made finals in their first ever trip and finished eighth in the United States in the Concert Open Class Division.”
The Enka basketball drumline, dubbed the “Blue Crew”, had the opportunity to perform with the Purple Thunder percussionists at Western Carolina University. The high school students not only performed their own show, but also joined the WCU musicians on their show.
It won’t be long before Mr. Young and his musicians have to pick up the pace to prepare for the upcoming marching band season and the 50th Land of the Sky Marching Festival. The event started with four bands in 1975, organized by the Enka Band Boosters and then director of bands John Lackey.
“Last year, we had 28 bands. I already have 28 bands signed up to come in 2024, which is the most I’ve ever had by this time. I think we’ll hit 30 or more by July,” said Mr. Young. “This festival means everything to the Enka community. It’s funded thousands of student scholarships, purchased instruments, and has taken care of the Enka Band program for generations.”
This year’s Land of Sky Marching Festival takes place at Enka High School Sept. 28.