The Pickens High School band program has been enjoying one of its most successful years in the history of the program. Pickens finished its marching season with a third-place finish in 3A Upper State championship and a sixth-place finish at the 3A State championship, both of which are records for the school. Pickens has also had a successful concert season so far. Six students from Pickens performed in the Pickens All-County honor band (pictured above): Anna Chastain (second chair clarinet), Matthew Martin (11th chair clarinet), Ryan Scruggs (fifth chair trumpet), Brent Plessinger (ninth chair trumpet), Brianne Wright (second chair french horn) and Kyle McManis (first chair euphonium). There were also 10 students accepted into the South Carolina Region 1 honor band: Madison Vaughn (third chair oboe), Anna Chastain (fourth chair clarinet), John McManus (eighth chair trumpet), Kyle McManis (fourth chair euphonium), Brandon Hendrix (second chair tuba), Camden O’Bryant (fourth chair tuba), Matthew Martin (20th chair clarinet), Ryan Scruggs (fifth chair trumpet), Brianne Wright (eighth chair french horn) and Allison Gardner (first alternate bass clarinet). The Pickens Jazz band will be traveling to Newberry College on March 2 to perform in the school’s Jazz Festival, where they have earned several superiors in the past. The jazz band will also be performing at the annual Pickens Jazz dinner on April 23, to be held in the Pickens High School cafeteria. The Pickens bands spring concert is also quickly approaching and will be held in the Pickens High School auditorium on May 23.