The Lawrence County All-County Honors Band is comprised of the best students across the county. They will all come together in harmony on March 22.

But what makes this year’s band a little unusual is that out of 90 middle school students, 35 of them are from South Point.

It hasn’t always been that way.

Brent Hunt, South Point band director, said just three years ago there were only eight South Point students who made All-County.

Hunt attributes it to a greater interest in band.

“There are several more students in band than there were three years ago,” he said.

Hunt said band students have doubled, increasing from 60 to 120 during that time.

Hunt visits the elementary schools, speaking to fifth graders about the types of instruments played in band and trying to get them excited about it.

Hunt tries to make sure his students do their best. He said he also makes sure to teach every child on the student’s level.

On a playing exam, Hunt said he tests them from three different levels, depending on where the student’s skill level is. He does this to help the students continually try to improve, no matter what their playing level is.

“It keeps kids from being bored,” he said. “They’re always reaching.”

One of the most difficult tasks is to get students to try out for All-County.

“I try to get the kids to realize the biggest point of playing an instrument is to perform,” he said. “I encourage them to try out.”

Hunt credits the South Point administration in making the band so successful.

“The administration has done a great job at setting the schedule,” he said. Band is a daily class. “They see my class as a class. They do not pull kids out of my class to work on other things.”

Hunt said band is good for the students.

“The better your performing arts are at a school, the better they’ll do on state tests,” he said. “It helps their brain develop and also helps with school attendance.”

Austin Wood, eighth grader, has made All-County band for the second year in a row.

“I feel very happy and very accomplished,” Austin said. “I’m very proud of myself and the other students from South Point.”

Adam Ferguson, eighth grader, is also in his second year of All-County. He enjoyed it last year and is excited about this year.

“It was a really good experience,” he said. “It was lot of learning, and it was fun to meet other people.”

Olyvia Frasure, an eighth grader, is in All-County for the first time this year.

“I’m completely freaked out and proud of myself,” she said. “My mom kind of freaked out, and said, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m so proud of you!’”

Olyvia said she plans on sticking with band as she goes on to high school.

Hunt is thrilled with how the students have done.

“I’m very proud of them,” he said. “They’re so motivated and ready to learn.”

He said students like to be pushed to do their best, and when they see how the music comes together, the result is self-confidence.

The Lawrence County All-County Honors Band is compiled from the eight different public school districts in the county. The students try out and are chosen to work together and perform together for an evening.

This year, the host school is Ironton High School and the performance is slated for March 22.