KOSCIUSKO CORNET BAND - 1900

The cornet band was organized in 1900.  Performances included the Confederate Reunion in Birmingham, The Leake County Fair, and the Neshoba County Fair. Members included Felix Early, Milton Hanna, Wright Bailey, Sam Lowery, Hunter Carpenter, Edward Skeen, Tom Land, Harvey Love, William Skeen, Sam Oden, Leon Musselwhite, Charlton Hanna, Frank Comfort, Will Hanna, and Steelie Maxwell.

KOSCIUSKO COMMUNITY BAND - 1930

The inspiration for a band in Kosciusko had it's beginning in Ackerman, Mississippi.  Through the influence of Mr. Luther Hines, a good friend of Mr. Henry Wamsley, Director of the Mississippi State University Band, a band was organized in Ackerman.  This band was taught by Mr. Wamsley.  As the band developed and grew, it became necessary for Mr. Wamsley to hire a substitute, and it was at this time that Mr. W. G. Skipworth took over the duties of Band Director.

Mr. Skipworth decided that he would like to organize a band in Kosciusko, so he contacted Mr. Luther Hines, who in turn contacted Mr. Warren Potts, who was the President of the Attala County Co-Op Association.  Mr. Skipworth was hired and moved to Kosciusko in 1931.  At this time the band was not connected with the school. Many interested adults joined the band,  including Mr. John Felder, and Ms. Minnie Crowder Fenwick.  Shortly after moving to Kosciusko, Mr. Skipworth became ill with typhoid fever, and interest in the band declined, but was later revived.  The city of Kosciusko paid Mr. Skipworth for his services.

1934

The first band rehearsals were held at the East End Grocery Store.  Later the band moved to the upstairs section of the city hall.  The band's first public appearance was for the opening of the Oleander Hotel.  The band recieved $5, for this performance which was used to purchase music.  The band traveled to Memphis Tn, in 1934 to attend the cotton carnival.  The trip was made in a Blue Bird bus which had a wooden body.  The first uniforms were purchased second hand from the Greenville, Ms band.  They were made of heavy grey wool.  The first drum major was Della Sanders.  It was during this period that the band became a part of the city school system.  This was also the first time the band entered the Mississippi State Band Contest.  The contests were judged at home with the judges traveling from city to city.

1936

New uniforms were purchased in 1936, and were tailored by Leonard's (a local clothing store).  The uniforms were bright red in color.  These uniforms were purchased for the centennial celebration at which the band was set to perform.  The band traveled to Fort Worth/Dallas, Tx by train, on special coaches and were chaperoned by Mr. and Mrs. John C. Lucas.  The cost of the trip was $9 per person.  It was also in 1936 that a band parents club was organized to help with band projects.

1944

On Tuesday, November 25, the KHS band sponsored a central Mississippi fiddlers competition.  Over 70 people entered the contest.  The proceeds, approximately $75, went to the band to purchase uniforms.  On Wednesday, December 12, the following band members left to attend the State Band Clinic in Clarksdale, Ms: Brooks McWhorter, Laurin Crowder, David Bailey, and John Fenwick Jackson.

1946

On March 7, 1946, the KHS band traveled to Jackson to participate in a parade honoring General Jonathan Wainwright.

1948

Majorettes for the KHS band are Peggy Peeler, Earline Clifton, and Alice Bailey.  The drum major is Buster Oliver.

1951

The Kosciuso Band rated excellent in concert and superior in sight reading and marching at the state band contest at Millsaps College and Tiger Stadium in Jackson.  Also rated superior were Sara Simmons for twirling and Johnny Turner as Drum Major.

1952

On January 22, the Kosciusko band was one of seventeen bands invited to march in the innaugural parade in Jackson.  Kosciusko students Johnny Turner, Jerry Dell Broach, Jo Mary Maxwell, and Mr. Skipworth played in the All State orchestra which furnished the music for the innaugural ceremony at high noon on Tuesday, and again for the Governor's reception at the old capitol that evening.

1953

The Kosciusko Band was invited to march in the American Legion Parade in New York City.

1956

Majorettes are Mary Faye Braswell, Vicky Love, Penny Wasson,and Harwice Downs.  Drum major was Rynnie Davidson.  Stacy Simmons was selected for membership in the Lion's Band.

1957

Lion's band members traveling to San Francisco included Sarah Jackson and Jo Jo Joseph.  Stanley Hartness was selected as drum major.  New red uniforms were purchased.  Sarah Jackson, Jo Jo Joseph, and Stanley Hartness were chosen for the State Band Clinic in Vicksburg.

1959

Lion's band members Sarah Jackson, Jo Jo Joseph, and Stanley Hartness traveled to New York for the Lion's Convention.

1960

Lion's band members Stanley Hartness, Robert Douglass, and Lamar Nesbit traveled to Chicago for the convention.  Majorettes selected in September were Ann Nowell, Kay Brazeale, Louise Proctor, Jane Ellen Simmons, Judy Watts, and Sara Catherine Jordan.

1961

Lion's band members Richard Joseph, and Lamar Nesbit attended the convention in Atlantic City.

1962

Lion's band member Richard Joseph traveled to Nice, France for the convention.  Richard Joseph was selected as drum major of th band.

1963

Majorettes selected were Beverly Branch, Mary Meek, Francie Davis, Becky Gayden, Carol Shelton, and Freida Joseph. Drum major was Lamar Nesbit.

1964

The KHS band marched in the innaugural parade in Jackson.  In the spring, the band traveled to Enid, Oklahoma for the Tri State Music Festival.

1965

Lion's band members Bob Grantham, Myrtle Ann McInnis, Jimmy Lewis, Mary Ann Joseph, and Jane Barefield attended the convention in Chicago.  Outstanding marcher award this year was presented to Jenell Crout.

1966

Lion's band members Bob Grantham and Tommy Jopseph traveled to New York for the convention.  Majorettes for the band were Sister Chilcutt, Jeri Sweat, Myrtle Ann McInnis, Barbara Jennings, Mary Ann Joseph, Kay Hathaway and Dana Graham.

1967

Harry Middlebrooke was selected as drum major.  Majorettes were Sister Chilcutt, Kay Hathaway, Dana Graham, Mary Ann Joseph, Cindy Roby, and Judy Scarborough.

1968

Majorettes were Judy Scarborough, Debbie Aldy, Mary Ann Joseph, Jean Simpson, Dana Graham, Carolyn Covington, Cindy Roby, and Lisa Ryan.  Lion's band members were Jimmy Lewis, Mary Ann Joseph, Stokes McMillan, and Harry Middlebrooke.

1969

Billy Brooks was selected as student conductor.

1970

Lion's band members were Billy Brooks, Harry Middlebrooke, Owen Hartness, Robert Plunkett, Hugh Plunkett, Mike Brunt, Donald Odom, and Phillip Mink.

1971

Traveling to Las Vegas were Lion's band members Billy Brooks, Harry Middlebrooke, Owen Hartness, Robert Plunkett, Hugh Plunkett, Mike Brunt, Donald Odom, and Rosemay McInnis.  New bright red uniforms were purchased in April of 1971.  In the fall of 1971, the band was invited to perform at the Mississippi State University Half Time on October 16.  The first rifle corps was introduced with members including: Judy Carnathan, Cynthia Davis, Paula Jennings, Ginger Roby, Cheryl Sides, and Bobbi Jo Sweatt.  Flage corps members were Sue Barton, Debbie Baxter, Libby Bruchfield, Sandy Cook, Sandra Culpepper, Rosie Joseph, Cindy Nowell, and Shelia Shumaker.  The drum major was Mike Brunt.

1994

1994 was the last year in the school on Jefferson St. The band performed a show based on music from Styx. The band received superior ratings at State Festival at Meridian as well as winning best in class 4A at a contest in south Alabama.

1995

Kosciusko High School moved to its present location on the Highway 35 bypass. The band moved into its spacious new band hall as well. With the practice field not yet complete, the band continued to rehearse at the old high school of Jefferson St. The students were bused to the rehearsal site each day. The band performed a show based on music from "Jesus Christ Superstar". The band received superior ratings at the State Marching festival at Tupelo.

1996

The band performed a Broadway review as its show, including music from "Miss Saigon", "Chess", and "Les Miserables". The band received superior ratings at the State Marching Festival at Meridian and was a finalist in the first Mississippi Marching Band Championship at Hattiesburg (USM). The band also accompanied the KHS football team to the MHSAA 4A State Championship game held at Memorial Staduim in Jackson, MS.

1997

The band performed a Patriotic theme show, inlcuded Malcolm Arnold's "American Salute", with a finale of "Battle Hymn of the Republic". The band earned superior ratings at the State Marching Festival in Meridan. During the band's performance at the Mississippi Marching Band Championship a violent thunderstorm hit, but the band marched on to a 3rd place finish. As well as winning top percussion in class 4A.

1998

The band performed a medley of classical music including Verdi's "Requiem". Big Red earned superior ratings at the State Marching Festival in Meridian. At the Mississippi Marching Band Championship the Color Guard and Percussion won the overall State Championship.At the WGI Regional at Jackson, MS the band was a finalist. After Christmas the band performed at the Toyota Gator Bowl at Jacksonville, FL, earning 1st place in the parade and field show competitions as well as being named grand champion. By doing so, the Big Red performed a portion of its show during the Toyota Gator Bowl football game.

1999

The band performed a gospel music show consisting of "Shine Down", "Elijah Rock", "Rock of Ages", and "I Go To The Rock". The band was best in class at Pratville, AL. The band was a finalist at the WGI Regional at Ft. Walton Beach, FL after being late for the show due to a bus accident.

2000

The band revisited its 1997 patriotic show with some changes. The band earned superior ratings at the State Marching Festival at Meridian as well as being named Grand Champion at the West Alabama Marching Championship in Gordo, AL. Gavin McAdams was the bands only participant in Lion's Band.

2001

The band performed a show based on three movements of Dvorak's "New World Symphony". The band was a finalist at the WGI Emerald Coast Regional at Ft. Walton Beach FL, and was named Best in class and Reserve Grand Champion at the Northwest Mississippi Marching Classic at Senatobia. Gavin McAdams again made the Lion's Band.

2002

The band performed a Russian Music show titled "Red Square" consisting of "Russian Easter Overture", Russian Christmas Music", "The Hut of Baba Yaga", and "Hymn from Red October". The band received superior ratings at State Marching Festival (which was moved up 4 weeks due to tornados on the day of the competition). The band attended the Contest of Champions in Murfreesboro, TN for the first time, finishing in 3rd place in its class.Gavin McAdams made the Lion's band for a 3rd straight year.