Twenty-five top high school marching bands from six states will compete at Western Carolina University’s 13th annual Tournament of Champions invitational at 8:45 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, at E.J. Whitmire Stadium in Cullowhee.
Hosted by WCU’s award-winning Pride of the Mountains Marching Band, the musicians will compete for the prestigious Chancellor’s Award, a large glass traveling trophy that is presented to the grand champion band, and the North Carolina Roll of Honour, awarded to the highest scoring band from North Carolina, as well as place trophies in various categories.
The Pride of the Mountains Marching Band will share an exhibition performance of its 2013 halftime show “Generation NeXt” at 4:15 p.m. Local high school bands from Western North Carolina participating in the Tournament of Champions include Pisgah (Canton), Enka (Candler), Cary, Cleveland (Clayton), Smoky Mountain (Sylva) and Tuscola (Waynesville).
Tickets are $10 for the preliminary competition. Tickets for the finals are $8 if purchased in advance or at the gate before 4 p.m., and are $10 if purchased after 4 p.m. Group rate is $8 for preliminaries and $8 for finals (15 or more paid by one check). Children under the age of 12 will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
828.227.2998 or www.prideofthemountains.com.