Local

‘Loved every second’: Hopewell High band returns from Peach Bowl after receiving several awards

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — The students in Hopewell High School’s Titanium Sound Marching Band have a new level of confidence after experiencing what they call an opportunity of a lifetime.

The band recently returned from Atlanta where they performed at the Peach Bowl.

“I loved every second of it, especially being in the Superdome,” said band member Alaia Smith.

For weeks, the group wasn’t sure they’d be able to make the trip because of the cost, but the community stepped up and raised the thousands of dollars needed.

“$21,000 in three days is crazy,” Smith said. “That’s like a movie type of thing, so to see it happen in real life to help us have this experience was pretty cool.”

Band director Curtis Bell says the long hours of practice leading up to the performance paid off. The band earned several awards for their performance at the Peach Bowl.

“Our field competition, we got a third place with a gold rating,” Bell said. “We also received a gold rating for our parade participation, as well as three individual awards.”

Andrew Nguyen received one of the individual awards for outstanding soloist.

“It’s amazing. I didn’t think I could (do it),” Nguyen said.

“That’s our thank you to the community,” Bell said. “We came back with some hardware, so we’re proud of that.”

VIDEO: Local high school band set to perform at the Peach Bowl

Almiya White

Almiya White, wsoctv.com

Almiya White is a reporter for WSOC-TV