On Sunday, Nov. 6, at Lumpkin Road Stadium, Richmond County will hold the 5th Annual Battle of the Bands at Butler High School starting at 3 p.m.
The event will feature several high school marching bands from Burke County High, Academy of Richmond County, Butler, Cross Creek, Glenn Hills, Hephzibah, Josey, Laney and Westside, according to a press release from Richmond County.
Richmond County’s Fine Arts and World Languages Program Administrator, Lynwood Holmes, said the event will showcase the county’s band program to other county’s and hopefully inspire others to also get involved in marching band.
“It’s designed to showcase our band program and collaborate between schools,” he said. “It’s a good way to let folks know that music is still alive in Richmond County.”
With the close of the football season, Holmes said Battle of the Bands promotes sportsmanship between the various schools and their respective bands.
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Additionally, the display encourages the participating students to network with colleges and even be scouted for possible future scholarships.
A number of other collegiate and high school marching bands were also invited including: South Carolina State University from Orangeburg, S.C.; Savannah State University, from Savannah, Ga.; Talladega College from Talladega, Ala.; Mundy’s Mill High School from Jonesboro, Ga.; Berkmar High School from Lilburn, Ga.; Kendrick High School from Columbus, Ga.; McDonough High School from McDonough, Ga.; and Benjamin Banneker High School from Atlanta, Ga.
“This is the first year we have five judges, and they will judge in the category of music, auxiliary and precision,” said Holmes.
As all ages are invited to attend, Holmes said he hopes younger children will witness the bands, and later develop a love of it and join a marching band.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. They can be purchased at participating high schools or on GoFan.co.
For more information about Battle of the Bands, visit: https://www.rcboe.org/home
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.comÂ
