While the spirited cadence of drum lines, brass and woodwinds are often reserved for half-time performances, parades, and pep rallies, students from across the region will take to the field at Great Bend High School’s Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, October 19 for the Western Athletic Conference Marching Festival.  

The event will feature high school marching bands from Macksville, Hays, Liberal, Garden City, Dodge City and Great Bend. A panel of five judges will give ratings for the categories of music, visual, overall effect, percussion, and color guard. Fans can show their support with “band-grams,” a shout-out that will be read to show support of bands and band members for $2 each.

“We’re honored to host the festival this year,” said Grant Matthews, GBHS band director, “it is exciting to get back to the marching arts activity and get to perform for an audience! This night is an opportunity for the bands to showcase all their hard work over the last several months.”

Matthews said the bands provide a visual spectator experience as well as musical performances.

“Each band’s show has a theme, and the music and movement tell a story. We not only get to make music as a band, but we also get to be fans and support the other WAC bands. We are all part of the band family.” 

Miss Kansas, Taylor Clark, will provide the closing address and assist with award presentations at roughly 8 p.m. Clark, who is from St. John, is a drummer and has shared her talents on the Miss Kansas stage as well as communities and schools across the state.  

Gates and concessions will open at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 19. Admission is $3 per person; children 10 and under will be admitted for free. Spectators are asked to use the 19th Street entrance at Great Bend Memorial Stadium. 

For additional information, contact the Great Bend High School Activity Office, 620-793-1560.