PARKERSBURG - Two area bands scored big in the Greenbrier East Shrine Classic Marching Band Festival in Lewisburg, W.Va.
The event took place Sept. 29 at Greenbrier East High School in Greenbrier County.
The Parkersburg South Patriot Marching Band, under the direction of Eric D. Staats, was named overall grand champion among the nine bands competing. The Patriots also brought home first place awards for color guard, percussion and field commander. The band received the highest scores in visual performance, ensemble music performance, and color guard. Parkersburg South is currently ranked 10th in the overall Tournament of Bands, Group 3 circuit, and second in the state of West Virginia.
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The Parkersburg South Patriot Marching Ban performed Sept. 29 during the Greenbrier East Shrine Classic Marching Band Festival in Lewisburg, W.Va., and was named overall grand champion for the competition. Several area marching bands have won awards at recent festivals and competitions. (Photo provided)
The Parkersburg High Big Red Band, under the director of Dan White, received first place in the Class IV parade competition. In the field competition, the band took first place and top percussion.
The PHS band was first runner up to South for the grand champion position, with a score difference of 1.1 points.
"It's nice to go to a competition where two local high schools come out on top," White said. "I congratulate South on their win."
The Big Red Band also competed in early October at the Mountain State Forest Festival in Elkins, receiving first place drum major, first place band in its class and overall parade grand champion. In the field competition, the Big Reds received high percussion, high drum major and second place in its class. PHS was named runner up grand champion.
Saturday, both Parkersburg South and Williamstown High School bands competed in the 58th annual Black Walnut Festival Marching Band Competition in Spencer. Parkersburg High placed first in its class in both the parade and field competitions. Williamstown High placed first in parade and second in field competitions for its class.
The Tournament of Bands season in West Virginia culminates with the Chapter 13 Championship which will be held Oct. 20 in Martinsburg. The top 25 scoring bands in each competitive group will be invited to compete nationally in the Atlantic Coast Championships held in Hershey, Pa.
Tournament of Bands is a National marching band circuit adjudicated by the National Judges Association.
