A house RESOLUTION

 

to recognize and honor the Clover High School percussion ensemble, band directors, and school officials for an incredible season and to congratulate them upon winning the Winter Guard International world championship title.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the members of the Clover High School percussion ensemble of York County captured the Winter Guard International World Championship on Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Dayton, Ohio; and

 

Whereas, to the thrill of their faithful fans the members of the Clover High percussion ensemble laid claim to their second consecutive world title, first in the beginner class and this year in the intermediate class, securing the band's place as the epicenter and capital of the percussion world; and

 

Whereas, forty-two teams competed in the scholastic open division with Clover High winning in the preliminary round at Wright State University.  On Friday, the top twenty-four groups performed at Truist Arena at the University of North Kentucky, and Clover once again led the field.  The top fifteen performers advanced from there to Dayton, where Clover cleared the field by more than a full point with a score of 97.863; and

 

Whereas, the percussion ensemble performed a show entitled "Nevermore," inspired by Edgar Allen Poe's poem "The Raven."  Without letting up once, the Clover High percussion ensemble members performed a full-on show from the very first note and held the audience by their every move; and

 

Whereas, Winter Guard International is an organization that hosts competition for color guard, percussion, and wind ensembles.  Much of the high school marching band field locals are accustomed to Friday night football games or Saturday night marching competitions.  Fort Mill, Clover, York, and Rock Hill schools have had considerable success in competitive marching bands for decades.  Clover finished fourth in the state's largest classification last fall; and

 

Whereas, the Clover percussion ensemble includes forty-seven students from ages thirteen to eighteen who were encouraged to set high expectations by their percussion team staff; and

 

Whereas, the Clover High percussion ensemble finished its 2022-2023 percussion and winter ensemble season undefeated and returned victorious from Dayton to host a performance at the school gymnasium for the fans of the home crowd to hear their champions play; and

 

Whereas, in a field that requires discipline and rigorous practice, Band Director Rick Langdale and his talented percussion team staff used their own musical training and performance experience to shape a championship-caliber band and cultivate a culture of significance while teaching these musicians lessons that will serve them well throughout life; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives values the pride and recognition that the members of the Clover ensemble have brought to their school and their community, and the members look forward to following their continued achievements in the days ahead.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor the Clover High School percussion ensemble, band directors, and school officials for an incredible season and congratulate them upon winning the Winter Guard International World Championship title.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Principal Rod Ruth and Band Director Rick Langdale.

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