16 GCS School Bands Earn Outstanding Performance Award

Sixteen middle and high school bands in Greenville County have earned the top award from the South Carolina Band Directors Association. Greenville Middle Academy, Hillcrest Middle, League Academy, Mauldin Middle, Northwood Middle, Riverside Middle, Rudolph Gordon Middle, Sterling School, Fountain Inn High, Greenville Sr. High Academy, Greer High, Mauldin High, Riverside High, Travelers Rest High, Wade Hampton High and Woodmont High received the Outstanding Performance Award for the 2023-2024 school year. That’s the highest number of top awards ever for the district, surpassing the 13 schools that earned it last year.

“I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication our students and directors put forth in order to earn the OPA,” said Bradley Wingate, Greenville County Schools Director of Visual and Performing Arts. “Greenville County Schools has shown tremendous growth in the number of bands earning this award over the last decade. I offer my sincerest congratulations to the students and directors of each of these programs!”

The Outstanding Performance Award is the highest achievement for band programs in South Carolina. To earn this award, students must have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in all areas of their program. Points were earned through their success in Marching Band Championships, Solo & Ensemble Festival, Concert Performance Assessment and All-State and Region Band.