CULLOWHEE ó Twenty-two top high school marching bands from four states will assemble for Western Carolina University’s ninth annual Tournament of Champions, an invitational competition hosted by WCU’s award-winning Pride of the Mountains Marching Band at E.J. Whitmire Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 10.
South Rowan High School will be among the bands competing.
The high school musicians will compete for various awards, including the North Carolina Roll of Honor, awarded to the highest scoring band from North Carolina.
“The Tournament of Champions has become one of the major marching band events in the entire Southeast,” said Bob Buckner, Pride of the Mountains Marching Band director.
“Its tradition has become one of attracting bands that are very serious about competition. The show is so competitive that ‘making the night show’ now is recognized as a major accomplishment. The day is marked by drama, music and the excitement of seeing and hearing young people work together toward a single goal.”
The Oct. 10 competition will have two sessions. Preliminaries will begin at 8 a.m. and continue through the day. The three class champions will be announced at 3:45 p.m., and the three class champs and the next seven highest scoring bands will advance to the finals. The finals competition will begin at 7 p.m.
Participating North Carolina bands are Brevard, Pisgah (Canton), East Lincoln (Denver), Chase (Forest City), Franklin, North Lincoln (Lincolnton), Marvin Ridge (Waxhaw), Tuscola (Waynesville) and North Buncombe (Weaverville).
Tickets are $10 for the preliminary competition. Tickets for the finals are $8 if purchased in advance or at the gate before 5 p.m., and are $10 after 5 p.m. Children under the age of 12 will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
For more information, call (828) 227-2259 or click on http://prideofthemountains.wcu.edu.