The Clinton Dark Horse Marching Band closed its 2025 competitive season with a sweep of first-place overall finishes across every competition they entered, earning Superior Ratings at each event and delivering their most accomplished year in recent memory. But for Band Director and Clinton City Schools Teacher of the Year Geoffrey Tart, the trophies tell only part of the story. What stands out most to him is the transformation he witnessed from the first day of band camp to the final note of their field show, “Be the Light in the Darkness.”
Tart said the success of the season begins long before the judges’ sheets are tallied. He reflects back to June, when students braved the heat at band camp and began putting the earliest pieces of the production together. Some were brand new freshmen. Others were seasoned seniors with four or more years of experience. But each brought a role, a responsibility, and a willingness to grow.
“I like to see the growth of students versus the awards,” Tart said. “The growth and the potential of growth is what educators thrive on. We like to see students be successful in all areas. Once it comes together, the student success is what they thrive on. Seeing the impact that each student has on each other, that is what keeps me wanting to continue year after year.”
This year was Tart’s fifth season leading the Marching Dark Horses, a return home for a Clinton High School graduate who was inspired years ago by former CHS Band Director Ed Taylor. Tart said Taylor instilled in him a belief that success comes through perseverance, grit, and unity. Those same values shaped this year’s group.
“My director planted that seed in me years ago. You just do not stop when it gets tough. You keep pushing through,” Tart said. “Sometimes there are obstacles. It is all about how we get to the goal together as a group.”
The marching band’s triumphs unfolded during a year in which public schools across North Carolina faced uncertainty due to potential budget cuts. Tart said he is grateful for the strong support Clinton City Schools provides, but he believes state-level leaders must do more to prioritize education, arts programs, and the educators who sustain them.
“I really feel that our legislators are not doing their job,” Tart said. “I do not feel that they are putting the people of North Carolina first. I do not feel they are putting education first. Locally they do the best to make it right and cover up the lack of support from the state, but I think it is time we get some new folks in Raleigh to make these decisions.”
The band performed for a visiting congressman earlier this season, and Tart hopes that seeing the students’ dedication firsthand will leave a lasting impression on those positioned to influence future funding for arts programs.
“All I can say is I hope so,” Tart said.
For Drum Major Kennedy Moore, a four-year member of the band, this year’s show carried a deeper meaning that extended beyond competition scores. “Be the Light in the Darkness” was both a performance theme and a statement of resilience.
“I feel as though our show and accomplishments this year have shown our growth,” Moore said. “Being a part of this band has opened my eyes to a lot of ways to deal with and get through situations in life. This year’s show meant shining bright throughout negativity in the world and making it a better place. We achieved our goals and overcame our obstacles, and for that I am proud to say that I am a Marching Dark Horse.”
For parent and CHS alumna Heather Lockamy, the season was a powerful reminder of the impact a strong music program can have on students and families. Lockamy said she witnessed the commitment required from students, staff, and volunteers as they endured long nights, early mornings, and the physical and emotional demands of competition season.
“The Marching Dark Horses are a very dedicated group who pour everything into their practices and performances,” Lockamy said. “Their show was the perfect message that even in the hardest seasons, hope can still shine through.”
Lockamy said the unity of the program carried them through their challenges and directly contributed to their competitive success.
“Through passion, discipline, endurance, unity, and lots of prayers, they delivered an outstanding performance every time they stepped on the field,” she said. “When they received first place in their class at each competition, it made all the long days and nights worth it. As a parent, I am proud of Mr. Tart and his program for teaching our kids that no matter what they face, hope can still shine through.”
While Tart is grateful for the accolades and the honor of being named Clinton High School’s Teacher of the Year, he said the heart of the program will always be built on character, teamwork, and perseverance.
“People like to see people be successful,” Tart said. “When hard work, dedication, and passion come together, you see results like this year. Some students reach the goal earlier than others, but it is all about where we end up together.”
For the Marching Dark Horses, that destination this season was a field full of trophies, a program full of pride, and a community lit by the message they carried across every performance: even in darkness, there is always light.