ESU hosts marching band festival

Flashy uniforms, polished brass and snappy drum cadences will all be on display as Emporia State University hosts its second annual marching band festival Wednesday, Oct. 7. Marching bands from seven Kansas high schools will take part in competition and also watch exhibition performances by the ESU Marching Hornets. The event takes in ESU’s Welch Stadium.

“This educational tool is designed to provide high school band directors with feedback on their marching program early on in the season so it’s beneficial for their future performances,” said Dr. Tracy Freeze, professor of percussion studies at ESU, and one of the festival’s organizers.

High school marching bands participating in the competition include Andover Central, Burlington, Emporia, Gardner-Edgerton, McPherson, Pratt and Spring Hill. Approximately 800 students took part in last year’s festival.

The marching bands will perform on the following schedule: Pratt—9:45 a.m.; Burlington—10:05 a.m.; Spring Hill—10:25 a.m.; McPherson—10:45 a.m.; Emporia—11:05 a.m.; Andover Central—11:25 a.m.; and Gardner-Edgerton—11:45 a.m.

Exhibition performances by the ESU Marching Hornets will bracket the competitive side of the festival at 9:30 a.m. and 12:05 p.m.

“Events like these become traditions,” said Freeze, noting that the festival will give high school musicians an opportunity to see the kinds of opportunities that await them in college.

An award presentation will follow the performances. The public is invited to attend. Admission is $5 per person. For more information about the festival, contact Freeze at 620-341-5326 or email.

Last Updated October 1, 2009>