The Tree City Marching Arts Festival is marching into Warren County on Saturday, Sept. 28, with a full day of shows from the Pioneer Pride Marching Band and other marching bands from neighboring counties.
Warren County Middle School will be hosting the event on its campus at Nunley Stadium. Admission to the festival costs $12.
The festival will begin at 2:05 p.m. with the Hixson Marching Wildcats and will end at 8:30 p.m. with a presentation of awards and a “full retreat.” According to WCHS Band Director Duane Farnham, after the “full retreat” all the bands will be playing some fan favorite songs together.
“Following the full retreat awards ceremony we will combine our efforts and hear what over 800 band members sound and look like for a Mass Band performance of two marching band favorites, ‘Land of a Thousand Dances’ and ‘Hey, Baby.'”
Warren County’s own Pioneer Pride Marching Band will begin its performance at 7:50 p.m.
The Tree City Marching Arts Festival is at full capacity as 13 bands will be preforming and will be evaluated by multiple judges. According to Farnham, bands can achieve one of three ratings from the judges with all bands striving for the top rating of “Superior.”
Farnham stated that he and the Pioneer Pride Marching Band are excited to host the 12 visiting bands and are looking forward to the exciting event.
“We love seeing the effort each and every band puts into their performances and are glad to host them in one of the most beautiful stadiums in the Upper Cumberland,” he said.
A break for dinner will be held at 5 p.m., but visitors won’t have to go far for their meals as food, drinks and snacks will be available for purchase at the event.
Farnham encouraged everyone to come to the event and show support for the Pioneer Pride Marching Band and enjoy a day of fun, music and festivities.
“It will be a great day where we are all striving to do our best, while cheering on everyone else and letting them know how great they did,” Farnham said. “I’d like to personally invite everyone one who reads this article to come down and join us for a great day of music, fun, camaraderie and excellence displayed by students from all over the area.”
