Story By Mary Bailey
This weekend high school marching band students from across more than five counties will participate in the 3rd annual Beaver Pond Marching Invitational, known as the largest contest for small bands in the state.
The day-long event will be held at West End High School and feature 31 bands. West End Band Director Jonathan Powell said it’s a great day for music education.
“We make it a celebration. It’s not a gimme contest. A superior is earned, but we don’t give out threes! I don’t believe in destroying kids who have given their all, much less directors who work in God only knows conditions,” he said. “Our festival is known throughout Alabama and Northwest Georgia as a band festival that is fair and enjoyable to all who participate.”
The 49-member strong “Spirit of West End” will be one of the final bands performing for the evening.
“This year’s show theme is “Let it Shine.” They’re an award-winning group scoring all Superior ratings at the Camellia Marching Festival at Marbury High School. The Beaver Pond Marching Invitational is unique in that we focus specifically on the small to medium sized bands,” Powell continued. “Band competitions are important because students are evaluated on how well they are doing what they are trying to do. It’s important to receive critiques in order to become better!”
Powell said if you have never attended a marching festival before there are a few items to note. “Band fans are unique in that we want to see everyone succeed. Secondly, we support the activity because band leads to scholarship opportunities! Just last year, my six seniors accumulated over $200,000 in scholarships. Lastly, band festivals are a place to see creativity on display,” he said. “Etowah County Superintendent Dr. Alan Cosby is a tremendous supporter of the Beaver Pond Marching Invitational. Along with Dr. Cosby, Susan Spiker, ECBOE Board Member from West End and Principals Angela Swatek and Brenden Perry are great supporters and volunteers for the festival. The Walnut Grove community sees this as a day where we grow by 4,000 people.”
For more information or to see the full schedule with times of performance, visit the Beaver Pond Marching Invitational Facebook page.
