State marching band championships come to Lewistown
Marching Huskies seek fifth straight title as 15 bands compete Saturday
Trending
LEWISTOWN -- The sounds of marching bands from across Pennsylvania will fill Kish Bank Field at Donald M. Chapman III Stadium in Lewistown on Saturday as the Mifflin County High School Marching Huskies host the Tournament of Bands Pennsylvania State Championships.
The event, hosted by the Mifflin County Music Boosters, is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the stadium, located at 501 Sixth St.
"The state preparations have been busy," Mifflin County High School Director of Bands Brandon Kahley said. "Thankfully (former Mifflin County High School Director of Bands) Mr. (Art) Belfiore has taken the majority of the burdens for the big event."
Fifteen bands from across the state will compete in various divisions, including the hometown Marching Huskies also taking the field before a crowd of families, friends and marching band enthusiasts.
Altoona hosted the event most recently, but when that contract ended, Mifflin County stepped forward. With a new stadium, strong community backing and a program that has become one of the most successful in the state, the timing lined up. Previous state championships were held either in Altoona or McKeesport.
Mitchell Field in Lewistown used to host competitions, with the last one held in the early 2000s.
Throughout the day, spectators will have the chance to watch student musicians perform carefully choreographed field shows that blend music, marching precision and visual effects. Tournament of Bands competitions evaluate bands on a variety of performance elements, including music execution, marching technique and overall presentation.
The difference is that Mifflin County is on its home turf, and has a trophy case that is bulging at the seams after winning four-consecutive state titles.
Mifflin County scored a 91.50 and won special awards for High Auxiliary, High Visual, High Music and High Percussion to become the school’s newest state champion.
Beyond the competition itself, the event is expected to attract visitors from across Pennsylvania, bringing hundreds of student performers, directors, support staff and spectators to Lewistown.
Hosting duties extend well beyond the field. Music Booster volunteers will assist with logistics throughout the day, helping welcome visiting bands and ensuring the competition runs smoothly. Such events typically require extensive preparation, from coordinating schedules and parking to managing concessions and spectator seating.
The championship also offers local residents a chance to experience the energy and pageantry of competitive marching band without leaving the community.
"The program has been wonderfully busy with so many things looking great with the show," Kahley added. "We expect a busy day at states for sure, and the bleachers will be packed."