The Straughn High School String Band set a record last week by achieving an overall first place finish in the state competition at 2022-2023 FFA String Band State Competition on 7 June.
Taylor Weeks has served as the school’s String Band patron for the past six years.
“SHS has been near to winning on the top in the past and finally achieving the goal is gratifying. SHS’s 2018 FFA Quartet won at the state level, however this is the first time that String Band has won. What the students achieved this year is amazing,” Weeks said.
Students put a lot hours and energy into preparation for state competitions each year.
“We do a lot of practice throughout the school year to prepare songs for occasions we are given the chance to perform at in the community. After students return from Christmas break, we begin to work upon FFA competition sets as well as preparing an act. Our set was comprised of bluegrass music featuring ‘Flint Hill Special'”Achy Breaky Heart,’ and “Hurricane” from The Band of Heathens. With our four competitors We played banjo, acoustic and the electric guitar bass, drums, and exceptional vocals and harmonies.”
The event took place in the MPAC Center in Montgomery.
“I am grateful for the chance of serving Straughn in this role. I’ve always been a fan of the guitar, singing and performing. I enjoy working with students who love the arts as as I do. Sadly, FFA does not have an international string band competition. Alabama is the only state that still has a String Band. Do we have the right to claim national championships too?” He said.
Weeks said that SHS finished its school season with a total of seven band members, with four competing in the state competition.
“I’m very content for my students. They’ve done a lot of effort to win this prize for us and I’m very happy with how they did for Straughn High School. They were overwhelmed with joy when they heard that they had won as we’d come close numerous times. Students had been putting in a lot of effort and put in an outstanding performance.”
The band will take advantage of the victory when the 2023-2024 school year starts in August.
“Moving forward, I’m hoping this achievement will help promote the work of our SHS string band more into the community for opportunities to perform and also inspire others students. Most importantly I’m hoping it will demonstrate the importance of performing arts in schools, and keeping support for these initiatives,” Weeks said.
They expressed their gratitude to the people close to them for their assistance and encouragement.
“The assistance from the school and the community is fantastic. Without their help and support, we wouldn’t be able attend these events or provide opportunities like this for our students.”
For more information, call at the Straughn high school office on 334-222-2511.
“Congratulations for Our SHS String Band on being named the state champions. They put in a lot of effort throughout the year, and performed and performed with great aplomb. We are extremely happy for our students, and we want to thank Mr. Weeks for his leadership.” the principal Matt Cobb said.
The article Straughn FFA String Band takes home state championship was originally published at The Andalusia Star-News.
