Established in 1971, the McGavock High School Band paved a tradition unlike any other in the state of Tennessee. Founding director, Kenny Hull established the band leading to recognition in the 1970s. Jeff Beckman (McGavock Band alumnus) continued the legacy from 1986-2013 handing the mantle to John David Hazlett (McGavock Band alumnus c/o 98, Assistant Director 2004-2013) from 2013 through 2024. Chris Mudd and Cole Gregory carried on the Long Blue Line beginning May of 2024.
The McGavock High School Band paved a long and rich tradition of excellence including 25 time state champion Governors Cups. The band has been named Grand Champion at the MTSU Contest of Champions 13 times, most recently in 2019 under the director of John David Hazlett and David DePriest.
The McGavock Wind Ensemble consistently achieved superior ratings at Concert Performance Assessments. The ensemble performed in 2017 for only the third time at the TMEA State Music Conference. The wind ensemble received the ASBDA’s Award of Distinction in Concert Performance in 2015 for straight superiod ratings in every sub category from every judge.
The McGavock Band is a 3 time Bands of America Southeast Regional Champion and Grand National Finalist/Semi-Finalist. The band represented the state of Tennessee in numerous national performances including the Rose Parade, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, the Orange Bowl Parade, the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Parade, The Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, and performed at the WWII Memorial in Washington, DC.
The McGavock Band has been awarded the Sudler Shield by the John Philip Sousa Foundation in the 1990s and named one of the ten finest bands in the United States by the National Band Association. The band also hosted the Music City Invitational 1986 through 2019 which awarded the prestigious Mayors Cup Trophies.
McGavock Band Yearly History and Legacy
Tennessee State Championships at COC since 1969
J. Jeff Beckman, Director Emeritus
Resume
The McGavock High School Marching Band has been named the Tennessee State Marching Band Champion 25 times. The band has been named Grand Champion at the MTSU Contest of Champions 13 times including 4 consecutive championships from 2002-2005. The McGavock Band is a 3 time Bands of America Southeast Regional Champion and a consistent Grand National Finalist and Semi-Finalist.
The band has represented Nashville and the state of Tennessee in numerous national and local parades including the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California; the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in New York; the Orange Bowl Parade in Miami, Florida; and the Hollywood Christmas Parade. The McGavock Band has also been awarded the Sudler Shield by the John Philip Sousa Foundation and been named one of the ten finest bands in the United States by the National Band Association. Please visit the bands website, McGavockBand.com, for more information.
McGavock HS Band Honors
Winner of internationally acclaimed John Philip Sousa Foundation’s Sudler Shield Award – 1994
Tennessee State Marching Champion – 25 times.
Bands of America Southeastern Regional Champions, Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia – 1995, 1996.
First place awards at 100s of local and regional competitions, including twelve-time Grand Champion at the prestigious MTSU Contest of Champions – 1972, 1982, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2019.
Finalist band in the Bands of America Grand National Championships in 1986, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1997 – Indianapolis, IN.
Southern Regional Grand Champions in Bands of America Southern Regional Championships – 1990.
Hundreds of Superior ratings in marching and concert competitions and festivals.
Tennessee Music Education Association State Conference at Opryland Hotel – 2017.
Representatives of Nashville and Tennessee at the following…
* Tournament of Roses Parade – Pasadena, California 1979
* Orange Bowl Parade – Miami, Florida 1972, 1994
* Statue of Liberty Rededication – New York, New York 1986
* Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – New York, New York 1992
* Hollywood Christmas Parade – Hollywood, California 1998
* Toronto, Canada 1987
* Mexico City, Mexico 1975
* Nassau, Bahamas 1982, 1991, 1994, 1997
* Washington, D.C. 1978, 1986, 2018
* Atlanta, Georgia 1973
* Philadelphia Thanksgiving Parade 2007
* Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2014
* Orlando, Florida 1977, 1980, 1985, 1991, 1994, 1997, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2016, 2020.
National television appearances include:
* Tournament of Roses Parade – Pasadena, California 1979
* Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – New York, New York 1992
* Hollywood Christmas Parade – Hollywood, California 1998
* Orange Bowl Parade – Miami, Florida 1972, 1994
* Lucille Ball Anniversary Special 1978
* Real People opening features 1978 – 1983
* Bob Hope Christmas Special 1991
* National Toyota Television Campaign 1990
Recognized by the National Band Association as one of the Ten Finest Bands in the United States.