Southeast Preview 10/29
As the season roars to a finish, we have State Championships happening all over the area, and a few local shows are still worth highlighting. Let’s dive in!
South Carolina
In the Palmetto State, this weekend signals state finals for all classes but the largest. 4A features programs like Nation Ford (SC), and breakout program Catawba Ridge (SC), hoping to use this as a springboard into a strong finish at BOA Grand Nationals in a couple of weeks. 3A features historic bands such as Irmo (SC) and Travelers Rest (SC), so the competition in that division should be just as fierce.
North Carolina
The competing bands at the Cary Band Day, hosted by Cary (NC), are a who’s who of some of the strongest programs in the area, bands such as Panther Creek (NC), Green Level (NC), and Green Hope (NC). This is a competition on its 63rd edition and has been a mainstay of the marching band competition circuit in North Carolina for many, many years. You can find more information at https://www.caryband.org/cary-band-day-soon.
Tennessee
There are two major competitions in Tennessee this weekend so we will highlight both. First off, we have what many consider to be the defacto State Championship with the MTSU Contest of Champions, held in Murfreesboro. Notable programs at this show include Franklin (TN), Siegel (TN), Ravenwood (TN), and Mt. Juliet (TN). There are a few programs from out of state at this show, including but not limited to Buckhorn (AL) and Louisville Male (KY). More information is at https://www.mtsu.edu/coc/.
Next up for Tennessee is the Bandmasters Championship, held at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis. This competition has been around under various names dating back to the ’60s, and previous winners include bands such as Murray (KY) and Lafayette (KY), as well as the reigning champions, DeSoto Central (MS), who are looking to defend their title this year. The show is hosting bands from Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi this year, and a couple of the other notable names that will be here are Bryant (AR) and the winningest program in this contest’s history, Munford (TN). You can find more information at http://www.bandmasterschampionship.com/.
Louisiana
One of the largest competitions in the state, the Classic on the Cane will be held at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. This show has some of the strongest programs in the state, including former BOA Grand National Finalist Lafayette (LA), as well as West Monroe (LA). One thing to note before you head out to this show is the weather, as there is potential for thunderstorms. That being said, the contest organizers are monitoring the storm system and will be providing an update before the end of the day. You can find more information at https://capa.nsula.edu/music/spirit-of-northwestern/.
Alabama
Even though Alabama’s State Championships have passed, there are a couple more competitions in the state before the end of the season. All eyes will be on the BOA Jacksonville regional, however, Gordo (AL) will be hosting the West Alabama Marching Band Festival, another long-running show in the area. You can find more information at https://sites.google.com/view/gordogrenadierband/wambf.
Georgia
There are also two competitions in the Peach State that we will be highlighting. First off is the East Georgia Marching Championships, hosted by Statesboro (GA). This show features a lot of the strong programs in Middle and South Georgia, as well as White Knoll (SC), which is using this as a last competitive performance prior to South Carolina 5A State next weekend.
Additionally, many of the strong North Georgia programs that will not be at the BOA Jacksonville Regional will be at the LaFayette Marching Classic, hosted by Fayetteville (GA). This show will also have a prominent South Carolina band getting in one last competition before 5A State in Mauldin (SC). Former Cobb County powerhouse Sprayberry (GA) will be here, as well as Ola (GA), East Coweta (GA), and Cass (GA), who is coming off of a Finals Appearance at BOA Orlando.
Florida
The final competition for this week will be the Tarpon Springs Outdoor Music Festival, hosted by #9 Tarpon Springs (FL). Quite a few of the area’s strongest programs will be here, and an interesting addition is Lowndes (GA), making the trip from Valdosta. You can find more information at https://tarponspringsband.com/events/tslca-outdoor-music-festival-2022/.
That wraps up this week’s Southeast Preview, go find a show close to you, and support all of the great performances that will take place this weekend!
Matthew Carstensen is currently GEM’s Managing Editor. He has been involved in the Pageantry Arts for over a decade, as a performer at the highest level, an instructor, and a fan. You can find him on Twitter at @SatNightLites. He currently lives in Florida with his partner and their two dogs.
You guys forgot to mention that Mississippi (*ahem*) also competes 10/29, in Canton. Last year's MHSAA State Champion , South Jones High School will take the field, Saturday---preparing to battle the elements!! These kids were ranked 7th last week, behind Dobyns -Bennett! The 29 October contest is Statewide situation. SJHS Braves will compete with other 5A ensembles from across Mississippi.