The Kingwood Christian School Concert Band recently returned to Alabaster victorious from an Orlando, Fla., music festival featuring bands from across the country.

The band competed in Orlando’s Dynamic Music Festival from March 24-29, and earned a superior rating during the weekend competition.

Superior was the highest rating given during the competition, and is a rare achievement for bands as small as Kingwood’s, said Tyra Cutcher, director of the 30-member band.

“This year, I have met with college band directors to glean more information about band competitions,” Cutcher said. “I was told that it is extremely difficult for a small band to receive a superior rating.

“One college director said he knew of only one band who has ever received a superior,” Cutcher added. “I thought to myself, ‘But God can do anything. It is not too difficult for him.”

During the competition, the band played “Transformers” and “The Tempest.” Cutcher said both selections carried spiritual meanings, and she used them to teach the students about God’s love.

“We studied Romans 12:2, about being transformed by the entire renewal of your mind,” Cutcher said of the first musical piece.

The band director used “The Tempest” to teach the students to rely on God during troubled times.

“We studied about how God is with us through our troubles,” Cutcher said. “He is our peace and strength in the storms of life.”

The band overcame an early morning start and a short warm-up period to win the award, Cutcher said.

“The students were up early that morning. We were not given very much time to warm up,” Cutcher said. “The result of their performance is a testimony of God’s faithfulness to those who believe.”