After months of planning, the 2015 Bridgeport High School Cavalcade of Bands is scheduled for Sat., Oct. 10 and will feature 10 marching bands from throughout the state.

 

“They are coming from as far away as the Beckley, Charleston and Parkersburg areas,” said Mike Hess, president of the BHS Band Patrons.

 

From 1-6 p.m., the bands will perform their respective field shows and be judged on their performances.

 

Based on response and participation, Hess believes high school bands are looking for these type of events.

 

“There’s definitely a need for more field show competitions and not just exhibitions,” he said.

 

It’s quite expensive to host a Cavalcade event. The combined costs of judges, trophies, programs, hospitality tent and other expenses come close to $6,000, Hess said.

 

“But the benefits the students get from raising the level of discipline and practice and the rewards they get far outweigh any costs,” he said.

 

Cavalcade is an official judging organization, located in the general Pittsburgh area. Nine of the organization’s judges will be participating in the Oct. 10 event at BHS.

 

For judging purposes, bands will be divided into four different categories – Yankee, Liberty, Independence and Patriot - based on band size. Awards include best band, best drumline, best drum major or field commander, best frontline and best overall music and best overall visual, regardless of category. A total of 30 trophies will be awarded.

 

The BHS Marching Band will kick off performances with its "Pyramids of Egypt" field show. Other participating bands and their respective field show titles are Hurricane High School, “That Which Controls Us;” Independence High School, “Una Fiesta Espanola;” Lewis County High School, “The LCHS Radio Show;” Liberty High School, “Vegas Vacation;” Magnolia High School, “Sounds of Superstition;” Robert C. Byrd High School, “I Love the ‘80s” and Sissonville High School, “Framed in Black.”

 

Alderson Broaddus University’s band will serve as honor band and perform an exhibition.  

 

The event is the first adjudicated field show event to be hosted by the BHS Band patrons and held at Wayne Jamison Field. Hess encourages members of the community to come out and support the BHS Marching Band and to enjoy the diverse performances.

 

“I just think it’s a great thing for the area. It’s nice anytime you can see multiple bands doing their field shows,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to see how hard these kids work.”

 

Gates open at noon. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for students. Available for purchase will be programs, T-shirts, Candy Grams and there will be a full concession stand.

 

For more information, including a schedule of events, visit www.bridgeportmusic.org.