During the first three weeks of the marching band season, the GCHS Marching Cougars have earned many awards at various competitions.

On Saturday, September 8, the Marching Cougars traveled to Caverna HS. They earned second place in Class 2A, behind Larue County, last year's Regional Champion. Additionally, their score placed them fifth of the fifteen bands in competition.

Week two saw competition at the Todd County Festival of Bands on September 15, where the GCHS Band earned first place in Class 2A, defeating Hopkinsville, Muhlenberg South, and Clarksville Northeast. Additionally, the Colorguard earned Best Colorguard, and the Marching Cougars picked up a Distinguished Rating, which automatically qualified them for Regional Quarterfinals at Caldwell County on October 13. Band Director Gary Parker said, "We were really proud of the students' performance at Todd. Earning a Distinguished Rating this early takes the pressure off, and, of course, a big win like this always boosts the morale. I'm also excited for our Colorguard, who have come a long way in the last two weeks."

The Marching Cougars were especially busy on Week three, which including two separate competitions at Henderson County and Apollo. At Henderson County, the Marching Cougars took home their second first place trophy, sweeping the 2A-1 class by winning Best Percussion, Best Colorguard, Best Music, and Best Visual. In winning first, the Cougar Band bested Hopkinsville and Owensboro.

At the day's second competition at Apollo the GCHS Band earned third place in Class 2A, behind perennial 2A powers Calloway County and South Spencer, IN. The Marching Cougars defeated Muhlenberg South (fourth) and Dawson Springs (fifth). Also, the band earned a Distinguished Rating, with a score of 83.0.

Band Director Gary Parker said, "We didn't really have our best run at Henderson County, so the first place was somewhat surprising. But we were really pleased with our performance at Apollo, and the nice high score was a great reward. It was a tough day, and our students once again impressed us. We really feel like we're becoming a legitimate contender in the state."

Both Parker and Assistant, Jason Gossett, emphasize the important role that parents have played this year. They thank the parents for all of the many hours of work that go into each weekend's travel.