Band competition a classic that deserves to be celebrated

Pardon their noise. It was the sound of fun.

I’m sure you heard it if you were anywhere near Havelock High School Saturday. The Marching Rams hosted the annual Crystal Coast Band Classic, and what a show it was.

I understand the sound of the competing bands echoed through area neighborhoods.

And when the East Carolina University Marching Pirates took the field to perform an exhibition, it was as loud as any of those Cherry Point jets that are responsible for the motto I paraphrased.

It was quite a treat to see ECU perform. About 200 members strong, the band played a sports-themed show that featured the music from “Monday Night Football” and Fox television’s NFL show.

They capped the performance by playing the ECU fight song, entirely appropriate after the football team’s 56-40 victory over Memphis.

Havelock High hosted 20 bands for the competition. ECU and the Rams performed exhibitions. As host, Havelock does not compete in its own competition.

After the Rams marched off the field, I noticed some tears from some band members. I figured they must have been seniors. It was their final marching band performance of their high school careers.

Sure, they’ll have concert band and will put on a Christmas performance in December that I urge all to attend.

But, there’s something about marching off that football field for the last time that got to some of them. It’s understandable.

The competing bands celebrated their triumphs, with Swansboro and Smithfield-Selma capturing grand champion awards.

But, all did a fine job. You have to give them credit for the amount of time they put in. They practice during and after school, and some spend a week at summer band camp to perfect the routines you saw Saturday.

And if you didn’t see them Saturday, make plans to attend next year’s classic. Even if you go for just part of the day-long event, you won’t regret it. Plus, you’ll be showing your support to the student performers, and your admission will go to help the Havelock band program.

A large part of the credit for the classic goes to Jorge Benitez, the Havelock band director, but he quickly passes the credit to the many volunteers and parents who helped make the event a success.

Some stayed late after Friday night’s football game in windy and cold weather to clean up the stadium so it would be ready. Then they got up early Saturday to finish last-minute preparations. Your hard work did not go unnoticed.

This area is known for a few marquee events each year, such as the Chili Festival and air show.

Well, add the Crystal Coast Band Classic to that list.

It’s an event this town deserves to celebrate.

Ken Buday is the editor of the Havelock News.