Lauderdale County High School String Band Wins National FFA Talent Championship

Mark White | The Mark White Show

ROGERSVILLE, Ala. - The Lauderdale County High School String Band has struck a national chord, bringing home top honors as the National FFA Talent Champions. The group, made up of Connor McMeans, Ty McMeans, and Titus Thornton, under the guidance of FFA sponsor Ivy Harbin, represented not only their school but the entire state of Alabama on one of the biggest stages in FFA.

A Dream Realized

For the trio of young musicians, this national title marks the culmination of years of hard work and hometown passion. “We’ve been playing together since my eighth-grade year,” said Titus Thornton. “It’s like a dream come true.”

The group’s blend of bluegrass and country roots impressed both the crowd and judges. Their winning set featured The Old Home Place by J.D. Crowe, a bluegrass version of Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Tennessee by The Creekers, a mix of heart, energy, and connection that captured the spirit of rural Alabama.

Practicing Faith, Family, and Teamwork

Behind every note was practice, lots of it. “Anywhere we could play,” said Thornton. “The ag shop, a church, somebody’s garage, we’d make it work.”

Sponsor Ivy Harbin praised their commitment. “They’ve been through the highs and lows together,” she said. “But they’ve built something special, like a family. They’ve helped lift this program to new heights.”

Faith also played a key role in their success. “Just stay humble and know where it came from, the good Lord,” said Ty McMeans, who emphasized gratitude and perseverance as key values learned along the way.

Lessons Beyond the Music

Their national win stands as an inspiration for students in small towns everywhere. “Not everybody’s going to see you working,” said Connor McMeans, “but you can be working behind the scenes. One day, they’ll notice.”

Their journey also reflects the leadership and teamwork values of FFA. “They learned to put personal interests aside and come together as a team,” said Harbin. “And now they’re helping younger students do the same, that’s leadership.”

A Community Celebration

Support has poured in from across North Alabama. Watch parties sprang up as the competition streamed live on RFD-TV. Church congregations and social media posts celebrated the homegrown champions.

Harbin added, “These boys made history, the first band we know of to win this contest at the national level. And they did it representing Lauderdale County, Rogersville, and all of Alabama with class.”

As for what’s next, the group plans to keep playing together, and keep the momentum going. “We just want to stay together,” said Thornton. “Play more shows. Maybe open for somebody one day.”

From a small ag shop in Rogersville to the national stage, these young men proved that big dreams can grow from small towns, when faith, friendship, and hard work strike the right chord.