CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- The 16th annual Showcase of the Bands took place Saturday at Midlothian High School.
Marching bands from across the state are invited to perform their field shows in the competition each fall, according to Midlothian High Band Director Gordon Rawls.
Nottoway High’s new band director, Carrie Smith, said events like this one are very important for students.
"We get to go and compete, get some feedback from some judges and show off all of our hard work our kids have been doing over the season," Smith explained.
The event also offers students the chance to experience performances from other marching bands.
FULL INTERVIEW: Band director on importance of Showcase of Bands
“They really get to listen to other bands [and] they get to perform for other bands. The crowd, the audience, they're all band nerds, so everyone here knows what's going on," Smith explained. “They all appreciate it, and just getting to perform in front of people that know what's going on is a treat. And then getting to have that competitive aspect with it as well.”
Smith acknowledged the competition can be emotional for seniors.
"The seniors that have been doing it for years, they get to really put their all out there, make sure that they're doing the best that they can to train up the younger kids," Smith explained.
Smith summed up her advice for students taking part in Showcase of the Bands: "Put on the best show you can, learn something new, try your best, have fun."
Smith said her students have worked very hard this year and have one final performance in Powhatan.
"You won't find a more passionate group of kids than marching band kids," Smith said.
Fifteen bands from around the state took part in this year's Showcase, which is a main fundraiser for Midlothian High’s Trojan Band.
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