National FFA Talent acts have been entertaining members and guests all through convention, bringing energy to the general sessions leading up to their final judged performances at the National FFA Talent competition.
Finalists included the Lauderdale County FFA String Band from Alabama, the Pleasant Home FFA Band from Alabama and Jack Tautic from the Suffield Regional FFA in Connecticut.
This was the Lauderdale County FFA String Band’s second year competing, and while they were semifinalists last year, this time brothers Ty and Conner McMeans, along with Titus Thornton, took home the top prize.
“It’s been great growing up with them, doing good at district and state, and finally getting to be here with everybody and seeing everybody again,” Ty McMean says.
Although the band grew up playing together, competing on a national stage has brought them even closer and allowed them to meet other FFA members who share their passion for performing.
“I just think that it’s just bonded everybody so well, just being around all these great musicians and so many talented people,” Thornton says.
Through the National FFA Talent competition, participants grow as both members and performers as they showcase their skills.
“I think it’s been a great experience helping us be better members of the FFA, just being around great people and a great organization that put all this stuff together,” Thornton says.
As winners, the band will take home a $250 cash prize and an invitation to guest judge the next year’s contest. For this bluegrass group, the title is one they’ll treasure for years to come.
“It was amazing. I mean, we’ve played together for years now, and I’ve really enjoyed being with them. Getting to hear our name called out on the stage was pretty amazing,” Conner McMeans says.
