Tupelo High School’s Long Blue Line was named Grand Champions at the Peabody Trenton contest in Tennessee on Saturday, September 28, 2019. They played their way to 1st place out of 19 bands from Tennessee and Mississippi. The band was also won 1st place Class 5A school, 1st place large band division, and 1st place division 3 classification. Many hours, tears, and sweat were put into perfecting the performance that dubbed the Long Blue Line as Grand Champions.

Junior Drum Major Emily Cannon emphasized the hard work the team endured prior to the competition.

“The band spent countless hours learning the music and drill. The work started in July and is continuing as we push towards state competition,” Cannon said.

“My reaction to winning the Grand Champion Award was not surprised because the band gave their heart into the show,” Cannon said about the team’s victory. “It was more of a proud moment where all the hard work and hot days finally paid off, and we were able to accomplish our goal together.”

Band Director Rick Murphy recognized how “The Tupelo Band had a great performance Saturday [September 28] evening at Peabody High School in Trenton, Tennessee.”

Murphy also wished to highlight how “Color Guard came in 2nd and [Tupelo’s] drum majors, Marcus Davis, Mark Bates, and Emily Cannon came in 2nd.”

The Long Blue Line continued to work hard at other competitions they participated in after Trenton. The team took the second place title at the Northeast Community College show on Saturday, October 5 in Booneville.

Following the win, the band competed in home territory at THS’ Renaissance Field on Saturday, October 12, where they were dubbed as All Superior.

Finally, the band competed at Itawamba Community College on Saturday, October 19. There, the Long Blue Line won 4th place, while percussion placed in 2nd.