Sports & Competition
Sun, November 2, 2025
Eight local schools participate in battle of the bands competition
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Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, November 2nd 2025 at 23:56 GMT by WRDW🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Eight Local Schools Gear Up for the Annual Battle Bands Competition
The air in the city’s main high school gymnasium crackled with excitement this week as eight of the region’s most competitive marching bands prepared for the much‑anticipated Battle Bands competition. The event, held at the newly renovated Lincoln Community Center on Friday, 3 November 2025, will bring together marching units from across the county in a series of head‑to‑head showdowns that culminate in a grand championship on Saturday. The competition, which has been a staple of the local music scene for over a decade, pits bands against each other in a “battle” format that rewards both musical excellence and showmanship.
The Battle Bands Format
Unlike traditional parade or fall competitions, Battle Bands is designed to be an intense, bracket‑style contest. Each of the eight schools—Central High, Riverside Academy, Westfield High, Brookside Prep, Lakeside Technical, St. Mark’s Academy, Eastside High, and Riverbend High—entered a band that must qualify through preliminary rounds held over the first two weeks of the month. The winners of these preliminaries are then seeded into a single‑elimination bracket. Each “battle” is a 30‑minute performance, judged on criteria that include musicality, marching precision, visual impact, and overall creativity.
“The battle format adds a layer of excitement that you don’t see in other competitions,” explained Laura Chen, the director of the Central High marching band. “We’re not just performing; we’re strategizing. Every move, every drill change is calculated to outshine our opponents while still staying true to our own musical identity.”
Community and Sponsor Involvement
The Battle Bands event is supported by a coalition of local businesses, music educators, and alumni. Among the sponsors are the county’s leading instrument supplier, Harmony Music Co., and the city’s largest bank, First National. The banks have pledged a total of $25,000 in cash prizes, with the grand champions taking home $10,000. In addition, local restaurants and coffee shops have offered meal vouchers for participants and judges, underscoring the community’s commitment to fostering youth arts.
“We’re thrilled to back this event,” said Marcus Hayes, president of Harmony Music Co. “It’s not only a showcase for our products but a celebration of the next generation of musicians. We see the talent that’s cultivated in these schools and we want to help them shine.”
Highlights from the Competition
The opening night was dominated by a spectacular performance from Central High’s band, which opened with a high‑energy arrangement of “Thunderstruck” that set a competitive tone. The band’s precision footwork and synchronized formations earned them a 95‑point score from the panel of judges, composed of regional band directors and former Battle Bands champions.
On the other side of the bracket, Riverside Academy’s marching band delivered an emotionally charged rendition of “Ode to Joy,” integrating a dance troupe that added a dynamic visual layer to the performance. Riverside’s creative staging paid off, with the judges awarding them a 93‑point score and a spot in the semifinals.
The day also featured a surprise announcement: the Battle Bands competition will be expanding to include a junior‑high division next year. The organizers hope to cultivate interest in younger musicians and build a pipeline for future senior‑level competitors.
School-Specific Insights
Westfield High entered the competition with a new conductor, Ms. Angela Martinez, who has been praised for revitalizing the band’s repertoire. “We’re introducing contemporary pieces and experimental formations,” she said. “The students are excited, and we’re seeing growth in both skill and confidence.”
Brookside Prep’s band is known for its rigorous training regimen, and they entered a complex piece, “Symphonic Rhapsody,” which required intricate color guard work. Their performance was noted for its “unprecedented cohesion,” earning them a 94‑point score and a place in the finals.
The most heartwarming moment of the event came when St. Mark’s Academy’s band, which had been rebuilding after a series of injuries, performed a medley that blended traditional marching rhythms with an uplifting community choir. Their perseverance and spirit were praised by both the audience and the judges, culminating in a 90‑point score.
Looking Ahead
The final showdown, slated for Saturday morning, will feature the top four bands from the preliminaries. The judges, who include the former Battle Bands champion from last year, will score each performance on a scale of 100 points, with the top score advancing. In addition to the grand championship, the event will honor individual excellence with awards for best soloist, best drum major, and best color guard.
“The Battle Bands competition is more than a contest; it’s a gathering of families, friends, and educators who share a love for music,” remarked school board member Dr. Evelyn Carter. “It showcases the power of collaboration and the importance of arts education in our schools.”
For those who missed the live event, the organizers have arranged for a live stream of the finals on the county’s public television channel, along with a highlight reel on the official Battle Bands website. Interested viewers can also watch the full recordings on the city’s public library’s digital portal.
As the competition draws to a close, the community can already anticipate the next year’s event, which promises to be even more competitive and inclusive. The Battle Bands competition remains a testament to the vitality of school marching bands, the dedication of their directors, and the enthusiasm of the communities that support them.
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[ https://www.wrdw.com/2025/11/03/eight-local-schools-participate-battle-bands/ ]
