Philip Barbour Band Reaches New Heights In Governor’s Cup Series

“The Pride of Barbour County” had quite a weekend when the band headed to Charleston October 26, 2024, coming off Friday night’s Middle School Band Night at George Byer Field. The band welcomed the middle school instrumental music students to perform as a combined mass band prior to the football game. Middle school students then treated the assembled crowd to pep band selections while in the stands, before viewing the halftime performance. Shortly after this performance concluded, the Philip Barbour Band packed their trailer in preparation for an early Saturday departure for Charleston, for the finals of the Governor’s Cup Series, which this year was held at Laidley Field in Charleston, a change from last year’s site, our own BCBank Park.

Band members and boosters alike departed early Saturday morning for Laidley Field to present this year’s field show offering. Following a rousing performance, complete with its trademark lights, the band was asked to hold, while Cabinet Secretary Randall Reid-Smith presented Mr. Iapalucci with the 2024 “John Paul Lynch, Sr. Spirit of Music Award,” given annually to one band director in recognition for their advocacy for the marching arts, both at their school and statewide. He was recognized for his leadership in the West Virginia Bandmaster’s Association, and his support for the new All State Middle School Band, created under his presidency.

“The Pride of Barbour County,” then treated the crowd to the Philip Barbour fight song following the presentation. At the conclusion of the evening, Philip Barbour placed fourth overall in the finals, which lifted the band to a fourth overall finish in the Governor’s Cup Series, the highest finish for the school since the inception of the program, bested only by AAAA Jefferson, Cabell Midland, and Musselman.

The Philip Barbour twirlers continued their winning ways as well, remaining undefeated in competition, as they were named State Champion Majorettes, and presented with a monetary award as well. Director Victor Iapalucci said “I’m so proud of this group, which is quite a young band, and most appreciative of the recognition, but it’s the students that make this organization what it is. I’m also so proud of the work of our twirlers and their instructors, who spend countless hours honing their craft.”