The Year of Champions

It all started with a bet. "I bet you can't even last a day in marching band." The next day, I took my brother's challenge and signed up for marching band. Laced with honest truths about band and Collinsville's unique group of band kids, The Year of Champions tells the story of an unforgettable season for the Collinsville High School Marching Band. It all started with challenges: a bet, tough music, and something to prove. The season ended with a performance that changed the program and a shocking and fortunate string of events that ultimately put Collinsville on the map and tested what the band is truly made of. The Year of Champions is about the memorable season that changed things for one small band program. It was a year destined for great things. The Collinsville Marching band was featured in a nationally-broadcasted commercial and achieved new and grand things for the "High School of Champions." This is a true story.