The Fort Mill High School Marching Band placed third at the South Carolina Band Directors Association 6A State Championships, earning the bronze medal with a score of 91.45 for its 2026 show, “In My Beginning.”
Wando High School won the state title with a 93.70, and James F. Byrnes High School took the silver medal with a 93.45. Fort Mill finished 1.95 points ahead of fourth place Lexington High School and was the only York County program among the 12 bands in the finals.
A Podium Finish
The bronze puts Fort Mill on the state podium in the largest classification of South Carolina high school marching band competition. The band finished 2.25 points behind Wando and two points behind Byrnes in a top three separated by just over two points.
Wando, from Mount Pleasant, also won the caption award for Best Visual and entered the finals as the Lowerstate champion. Byrnes, from Duncan, collected the Best Music and Best General Effect awards and came in as the Upperstate champion.
The band program celebrated the result on its Facebook page, calling the finals performance a night to remember and thanking the people behind the season.
“A huge thank you to our staff, our boosters and volunteers, our administration, and every family who showed up all season,” the post said. “You make this possible.”
The program also congratulated the other finalists, saying it was an honor to share the field with them.
Rounding Out the Field
Behind the medalists, Lexington placed fourth with an 89.50, followed by Stratford at 87.60, Summerville at 86.00, River Bluff at 85.30 and Blythewood at 85.20. Dorman finished ninth with an 82.85, Mauldin 10th with an 81.25, Fort Dorchester 11th with an 80.75 and Ashley Ridge 12th with an 80.50.
The state championship closes the competitive marching season for 6A bands. Families and supporters can follow the program on the Fort Mill High School Band Facebook page for upcoming concerts and events.
2026 SCBDA 6A State Championship Results
- Wando High School, 93.70 (Best Visual, Lowerstate Champion)
- James F. Byrnes High School, 93.45 (Best Music, Best General Effect, Upperstate Champion)
- Fort Mill High School, 91.45
- Lexington High School, 89.50
- Stratford High School, 87.60
- Summerville High School, 86.00
- River Bluff High School, 85.30
- Blythewood High School, 85.20
- Dorman High School, 82.85
- Mauldin High School, 81.25
- Fort Dorchester High School, 80.75
- Ashley Ridge High School, 80.50
Source: Results from Bands of SC 6A State Championships graphics; quotes from the Fort Mill High School Band Facebook page.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Associate Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
