Loud music and cheering fans filled a packed Butler High School Stadium on Sunday afternoon as schools from across the Southeast took the field for the Richmond County School System’s annual Battle of the Bands.
The event, held Nov. 2, showcased college, high school and local bands in a celebration of music, rhythm and showmanship. Featured college performers included North Carolina A&T’s “Blue & Gold Marching Machine,” Virginia Union University’s “Ambassadors of Sound,” and South Carolina State University’s “Marching 101.”
Among the high school competitors, W.J. Keenan High School of Columbia, S.C, stood out by taking home Best Dance and Best Color Guard honors, as well as winning Class 1A. McDonough High School earned the 2A division title and was named the overall winner of the 2025 Battle of the Bands, while Burke County High School claimed the 3A division crown.
Local Richmond County schools such as Butler, Cross Creek, Glenn Hills, Hephzibah, Josey, Laney, and Westside also performed, adding hometown energy and flair to the showcase.
