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The Opp High School Marching Black and Gold Band celebrated 100 years this year and earned superior ratings at all four competitions in Rehobeth, Andalusia, Prattville, and Brewton.

Brandon Benson is in his second year of leading the program.

“It is an honor to be the band director of the Marching Black and Gold while we celebrate 100 years of its existence,” Benson said. “I take tremendous pride in leading this group of talented musicians. The growth and musical development could not have happened at a more precious time in this program’s rich musical history. The community, administration, band boosters, and parents have stepped up this year to recognize current and former members of the 100 years of the Marching Black and Gold.”

Opp competed in four marching band competitions and festivals this fall. Those performances included the Rehobeth Marching Band Festival, the A-Town Marching Band competition in Andalusia, the Heart of Dixie Marching Band competition in Prattville, and the Dixieland Marching Band competition at T.R. Miller in Brewton.

The Marching Black and Gold received straight superior ratings in every category including Drum Major, Majorette, Colorguard, Percussion, and Band. The majorettes were named Best in Class at the Andalusia competition. The band held an exhibition performance at the 43rd Annual Little Big Horn Marching Band competition. Alabama Trophy named Opp with the Host Trophy for the best host band.

“I am proud to see our students becoming better musicians daily and see the program grow with more student involvement. Our students work through extreme conditions and overcome adversity to become the best in what they do and accomplish. We chose challenging music this year that relies heavily on pure determination and skill. Seeing their reactions to what they have achieved is phenomenal. This group of students is creating a solid foundation for future Marching Black and Gold members. It’s a pleasure to witness students come together with a common goal and passion for music,” Benson said.

This year’s halftime show was called “Celebrating 100 Years of the Marching Black and Gold.” Musical selections included “Welcome to the Black Parade,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Paint It Black,” “Back in Black,” “Creep,” and “We Will Rock You.”

“We celebrated 100 years at every home game and recognized different sections from the past during our pregame performance. We also had a 100-year alumni marching band performance with past members from throughout the years. Former director Randy Hughey conducted the 100-year alumni band during homecoming on Friday, Oct. 11.

Morgan Mabry was hired as an assistant band director to manage the growing needs of the band. Mabry was a Flute Performance major and Music Education major at Auburn University.

“Morgan has a wealth of knowledge and skill, which has been invaluable in guiding our students. My weaknesses are her strengths. She is a vital part of the development of all our students and will be attaining her master’s in Music Education from the University of Florida. Given the growth and number of students we teach in our band and music department, having an assistant band director is a game changer. Having the extra assistance has propelled our group to achieve quality results in our performances,” he said.

The Marching Black and Gold will hold its annual Christmas concert in the Opp High School Auditorium on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m., with free admission. The band will then participate in the Opp Christmas Parade on Friday, Dec. 6.

In 2025, the band will compete at the Alabama Music Performance Assessment in March at Enterprise High School. The 100th year will close with a trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, from May 27-30 for a performance at Dollywood. The band welcomes travel donations from anyone who would like to help.

“From my first year on campus to now, I have learned the Opp band is resilient and filled with talented individual musicians who work hard to support one another. Students have shown a great deal of passion and drive to be better. I wanted to push my students to go above and beyond what they expected of themselves. With a little push, the students were able to pull off some challenging music that has propelled their musicianship,” Benson said.

Benson expressed his appreciation to those who have helped make the 100th year possible.

“I want to thank the Opp City Schools Board of Education, Emily Edgar, Matt Blake, Cynthia Alverson, Sharon Spurlin, Alicia Kroher, Morgan Mabry, the Opp Band Boosters, band parents, community, and our students for making our band program successful. Without their hard work and dedication, the band program would not be where it is today,” he said.

For more information email bbenson@oppboe.com or visit the Opp High School Band Program Facebook page.