The championship drought ended at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, November 8, when the Pride of Paoli broke a 20-year streak of falling short
of the title to become the Class D State Champions at the ISSMA Marching Band competition.
After months of dedication, countless hours of practice, and a week of adding new content to an already incredible show, the Pride left everything on that field.
When the students and staff returned home late Saturday night, the town of Paoli was there to greet them with cheers and applause—a moment the band will never forget.
“We left Semi-State with some uncertainty on whether or not we could pull off a top three-worthy performance, but by the end of Friday night, nobody
knew just how much we had improved. We fell in love with the show— and the improvements showed through expression, technique, and enthusiasm,” said Drum Major Cannon Lambdin.
The awards ceremony brought unforgettable moments, including the traditional “ceremonial milk jug” reserved for champion drum majors.
“As soon as they handed me that jug, the milk was gone in seconds,” Lambdin said. “But the milk wasn’t even the best part. I returned to a band celebrating with tears of joy. I returned to a team of staff that had longed for this moment — had fought for this moment — for 20 years.”
Beyond the trophy, this season for Lambdin was about unity and faith. Prayer circles before performances became a precious tradition, with students gathering to encourage one another and express gratitude for their talents.
“That was more important to me than any championship trophy ever will be,” said Lambdin.
Saturday’s performance was unforgettable for Band Director Christian Karkosky who knew his students had given everything.
“It was the best performance of the year, and I was going to be happy no matter what, because our kids did the absolute best they possibly could,” said Karkosky.
For Karkosky, this victory represents validation.
“It shows we’re doing all the right things, and that the system and curriculum we have in place are really working,” said Karkosky.
Karkosky had so many people to thank, but the center of his gratitude falls to the kids invested in the program and the community.
“To our band family: you are champions in every sense of the word. And to the town of Paoli—thank you for showing up and showing our kids what community truly means,” said Karkosky.
