Southeast Preview 10/8
Welcome back to the Southeast Preview! Without the specter of a hurricane bearing down on the Southeast, to some extent, there will be a return to a normal amount of shows for this weekend, so let’s dive in!
Let’s start in Florida, where FMBC can begin in earnest. There are four shows on the docket this weekend there, so the show that we’ll highlight this weekend is the Golden Eagle Classic, hosted by Fleming Island (FL). It is one of the largest shows in the state this weekend and features multiple BOA Orlando finalists from 2021, including Oakleaf (FL) and University (FL). Additionally, Buchholz (FL) and Ponte Vedra (FL) are not programs to overlook. Additional information is available here!
Moving north to Georgia, the “weekend”'s biggest show isn’t even on Saturday. The first half of the Cobb County Marching Exhibition is on October 10th, and that will feature previous Grand National Finalists Harrison (GA), Kennesaw Mountain (GA), and former Semi-Finalists Walton (GA). So if you’re looking for an exciting competition on Saturday in the area, the Kennesaw Mountain Marching Invitational is hosted by Kennesaw Mountain (GA). While they haven’t released the schedule yet, it is sure to be fantastic with all of the high-quality programs in the area. You can find all of the show information at https://www.kmbo.org/kmmi.
Heading up to the Carolinas, there are a few shows to highlight, with BandBEAT, hosted by Catawba Ridge (SC) and Carolina Crown, being the most prominent of these. Nation Ford (SC) will be the headliners for this show. Next is the Festival of Bands, hosted by Boiling Springs (SC). James F. Byrnes (SC) and Dorman (SC) will be the two bands most likely to go head-to-head for the championship here. Finally, West Johnson (HS) hosts the Compass Classic, and some of the stronger programs in the area, such as Smithfield-Selma (NC) and Green Level (NC), will be in attendance.
In Tennessee, the premier event this week is non-competitive, as Franklin (TN), Ravenswood (TN), and more will be performing at the Williamson County Marching Exhibition hosted by Summit (TN).
Over in Arkansas, Lake Hamilton (AR) will be hosting the Power Band Classic, which will be held on BOA sheets, as this contest is a Music for All affiliate show. There will be a lot of excellent programs here. The one most recognizable to the national fan is Paragould (AR), as they’ve made trips out of state to BOA Regionals recently. You can find more information at https://sites.google.com/a/lhwolves.net/power-band-of-arkansas/power-band-classic?authuser=0.
That will wrap up this week’s edition of the Southeast Preview! Go find your local show, or follow along with GEM’s takeover of the Texas Marching Classic’s social accounts! If there’s a show that you feel should be covered, let us know in the comments!
Saturday Night Lights 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.