Students and officials tied to the Hopkins County Central High School Marching Band received life-changing news in mid-May, when the Kentucky Music Educators Association confirmed the mighty Storm have been selected as one of 40 bands nationwide that will march in next year’s National 250th Anniversary Parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
It has been a tough secret to keep, but one finally let loose, as practice, planning and preparations begin this week and carry all the way into the next 12 months.
Band Director David Moss said there is hope of growing the band’s numbers from 35 to 50 this preseason, while offering fundraisers and sponsorship opportunities going into next summer — where the marching responsibility will be folded into a four-day, three-night visit that will allow time for stops like the National Mall, the Smithsonian and Arlington National Cemetery.
But there’s also a desire to tie this coming trip to the local history lessons of Hopkins County and into this American fabric experience, like how there are two veterans of the Revolutionary War buried near the school, while exploring a patriotic musical arrangement.
Among the first to know of the band’s fortunes were some of its section leaders: sophomore trumpeter Lainey Floyd, junior clarinetist and color guard Emma Maxberry, senior saxophonist Garrett Morgan and sophomore tubist Kahlil White.
Floyd said she wanted to thank God for the opportunity, because — like many of her classmates — it will be the first real chance at a big career step.
Maxberry noted this year should “open a lot of doors” for the group, and that it’s rewarding to get this chance to shine for their country.
Morgan added that HCC’s band has been a leader in school spirit, and that he’s more than anticipating bringing “Storm Pride” to Washington D.C.
White, meanwhile, is also coming into his own as a musician — and knows the prospects of success are still ahead.
Moss said the rest of his faculty — Josh Johnson, Trenton Fears, Zach Lang and Amanda Morrow — will be in the traveling fold.
HCC’s Band Camp is the last two weeks of July.
