Williamston, S.C. - The South Carolina Band Directors Association (SCBDA) has announced its selections for SCBDA Outstanding Performance Awards for the 2023-24 school year. In letters to Superintendent Robbie Binnicker, the SCBDA’s Awards Chairman, Rick Langdale, Jr., announced three Anderson One schools have received this award including Wren Middle, Powdersville Middle, and Powdersville High School.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to thank our band directors and their outstanding band members for their hard work and commitment,” said Superintendent Robbie Binnicker. “Anyone familiar with music understands that hours of practice and rehearsal are required. It is clear that our students have put in the time and effort to achieve excellence.”
According to the SCBDA, this is the highest possible award given to a band program in the state.
"I'm grateful for this recognition for the Patriot Band and all of the students that have worked tirelessly to make this such a special year,” said Powdersville High School Band Director Garrett Young in response to the award. “We are very proud of all the work that has been done to get us to this point. Thank you to the administration, faculty, and staff of Anderson 1 and Powdersville High School for their support, and also to the band parents and band staff who ceaselessly pour their time and energy into creating such an incredible experience for our students."
"The Powdersville Middle School was a recipient of the South Carolina Outstanding Performance Award this year as a result of numerous statewide achievements from our students. At the middle school level, this award is based on involvement in the Region Band, South Carolina All-State Band, Concert Performance Assessment, and Solo and Ensemble Festival,” added Powdersville Middle School Band Director Chris Mitchell. “We are very proud of our band students for all of their hard work this year, and forever grateful for the opportunity to make music together each day at school. We would like to thank the staff and administration of Powdersville Middle School as well as Anderson School District One for supporting this program in all that we do."
“The work, dedication, and consistent diligence of the Wren Middle School Band Students have earned them the honor of an Outstanding Performance Award,” said Wren Middle School Band Director Angela Tarbutton. “This is the most prestigious award given by the South Carolina Band Directors Association. Students must show high levels of achievement in Region/All-State Bands, Concert Performance Assessment, and Solo & Ensemble Assessments. I am extremely proud of the Wren Middle School Band Students and their superior performances this 2023/2024 season. Go Hurricanes!”
SCBDA Outstanding Performance is awarded based on a points system. Points are accumulated through participation and ratings earned at the following state-sponsored performance events:
• Marching Band Championships (HS level)
• All-State and Region Band
• Concert Performance Assessment
• Solo and Ensemble Festival