The Lafayette High School Band Marching Band – the “Pride of the Bluegrass^®” -- has existed since the opening of the school in 1939 – over 70 years of musical excellence! Each year, over 200 students, ages 14 to 18, provide the framework for this performing group that consistently receives top honors in regional, state, and national contests and exhibitions. Under the direction of Charles M. “Chuck” Smith and Dr. Terry Magee, this key component of the music program has earned the title of Grand Champion in more than 50 competitions during the last decade. The following is a listing of several of the band’s more notable accomplishments:

• Lafayette Marching Band has had the distinct honor of escorting Santa on two different occasions (1991 and 2002) in the world-famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
• “The Pride of Bluegrass^®” Marching Band has won the Kentucky Music Educators Association State Championship in Class AAAA and Class AAAAA an incredible 16 times since 1990. Lafayette was KMEA Class 5A Champion in 2009.
• National Finalist, Bands of America Grand Nationals, 1995 and 2004, Indianapolis, IN.
• Regional Champion, Bands of America Regional Competitions, 1996 and 1997.
• Regional Finalist, Bands of America Regional Competitions, 1995, 1997- 2001, 2003-2011.
• Grand Champion, Contest of Champions, Southeast Regional Contest, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 (9 Times), Murfreesboro, TN

The band performs locally for school events including home football games, pep rallies, and other post-season athletic events, and is the featured marching band in the community for activities such as the city of Lexington’s Annual Holiday Parade. The Marching Band’s exciting, but rigorous, schedule begins in the summer with Band Camp and lasts through most of the fall semester, as the band rehearses diligently to prepare and perfect the year’s Marching Show. The band annually participates in competitions throughout the state and in Music for All Bands of America regional and national champion events.