The Lebanon High School Marching Yellowjacket Band achieved multiple top honors at the 60th annual Maple Leaf Marching Festival in Carthage on October 17th, securing first place for its performance in the morning parade. The band traveled to Carthage, Missouri, to participate in the long-running annual festival, which draws participants from across the region.
The morning parade, which spans nearly two miles through downtown Carthage, saw the Yellowjacket Band earn the top distinction. This initial victory set the tone for their full day of competition.
In their afternoon preliminary performance, the Lebanon High School band placed second within its class, achieving a score of 79.75. During this phase of the competition, the band also received two specific caption awards, recognizing their excellence. Judges awarded them for Outstanding Percussion Performance and Outstanding Colorguard Performance, highlighting the skill and precision of these sections within the marching unit.
Later that evening, the band advanced to the finals, competing against strong contenders. In this final round, the Marching Yellowjackets placed fifth with a score of 79.8. Beyond their placement, the band continued to garner significant recognition. They were honored with the Fan Favorite Award, reflecting popular appreciation for their show. Additionally, they secured the prestigious 2026 Sweepstakes Award, which is determined by a combined score from both their parade and field performances. For the second time that day, the band's colorguard was recognized with an Outstanding Colorguard Performance award, underscoring their consistent high quality.
The Lebanon High School Marching Yellowjacket Band's show for the year was titled "Fire & Ice." This production featured a diverse selection of musical pieces, drawing from classical compositions. The show included "Mars" from Gustav Holst’s "The Planets," Verdi’s dramatic "Dies Irae," Puccini’s renowned "Nessun Dorma," and the concluding "Finale" from Stravinsky’s "The Firebird Suite." These selections provided the soundtrack for their acclaimed performances.
Following their success at the Maple Leaf Marching Festival, the band will transition from their marching season into their concert season. However, the Yellowjackets will have one final marching performance scheduled for late November. They are set to participate in the Lebanon Christmas parade, which will take place on November 21st. This event will mark their last marching appearance before fully focusing on their concert repertoire.
