Bands to converge on Farmington High School

Farmington High School’s marching band invitational is set for Saturday.

Saturday’s marching invitational to attract thousands

DAN SCHUNKS, dschunks@dailyjournalonline.com

Bands from throughout the Parkland and eastern Missouri will meet in Farmington this Saturday for the 26th Annual Farmington Black Knight Marching Invitational.

Twelve bands, and more than 800 students will be participating in the competition, having traveled from local schools like North County, Central, Potosi, and Fredericktown, and from schools in the St. Louis area.

Elliot Naes, director of Farmington High School bands, said for anyone who loves music, it’s a good show worth watching.

“I would love to invite the community down for our marching festival both to see our band and to see the other local bands,” he said. “Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for school-aged children.” Concessions will be available throughout the day.

The 108-piece host band will begin the festivities at 11 o’clock Saturday morning with the performance of their program entitled “Andale!” The Latin-flavored program is comprised of Havana Express, Enchano, Solamenta, and Spain.

Bands will be performing throughout the afternoon with awards announced at 7:30 that evening. Immediately before the awards there will be a performance by the Farmington dance team, Knightline, and a drumline showcase in which each of the participating schools’ drumlines will be invited to play their cadence, with any choreography, for the audience.

Farmington’s band began rehearsals for this year’s marching season on July 25. They rehearse every morning from 6:45-8:30 and Tuesday evenings. The ensemble performs at all home football games, the Black Knight Invitational, and competitions at Fox, Potosi, and Central school districts. The Rebel Invitational will conclude the Farmington regular marching season Oct. 21.