HOPE – The Hope High School band program will host its first-ever invitational marching band contest at Hammons Stadium on Monday, Oct. 15, after inclement weather forced a change of date.\r\n
\r\nHope Bands Director Julie Gladden said the contest will feature 13 bands from across Arkansas, and it will be the first competition showing for the HHS Bobcat Marching Band’s “Phoenix Rising: A Band Reborn” program.\r\n
\r\nThe band’s 2018 contest presentation draws upon the music of the Igor Stravinsky classic ballet “The Firebird,” the tale of the mythical Phoenix and its rise from the ashes as symbolic of the renewed spirit of the Hope bands program. The Bobcat Marching Band currently has a performance contingent of 70 musicians.\r\n
\r\nHHS will perform first in the contest lineup at 4 p.m. Tuesday.\r\n
\r\nThe remainder of the program includes Foreman High School, 4:15 p.m.; Parker’s Chapel High School, 4:30 p.m.; Fouke High School, 4:45 p.m.; Horatio High School, 5 p.m.; McGhee High School, 5;15 p.m.; Prescott High School, 5:30 p.m.; and Smackover High School, 5:45 p.m.\r\n
\r\nAfter an intermission, Ashdown High School performs at 6:15 p.m.; Hamburg High School, 6:30 p.m.; Camden-Fairview High School, 6:45 p.m.; DeQueen High School, 7 p.m.; and Arkansas High School, 7:15 p.m.\r\n
\r\nGladden said awards will be given in first, second and third place for overall band performances; best in class color guard, best in class place percussion, best in class drum major, and outstanding soloist.\r\n
\r\nAdmission to the contest is free, she said.\r\n
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