‘Preview of Champions’ band competition set for Nov. 13
The Silver Magic Marching Band of Mariner High School will host the annual “Preview of Champions” Marching Band Competition on Nov. 13 at the Tony McKenna Stadium.
Amy Yoho said she has been in charge of the competition at Mariner High School for the past six years. The competition has been held at Mariner for a total of nine.
She explained that they usually have a good attendance with about 1,200 spectators, typically band alumni, community members and band families.
Band Director Sarah Hamilton said the competition is held through the Florida Marching Band Coalition. This year 14 bands from all over Florida will participate in the event.
The “Preview of Champions” is part of a regional marching band competition. Those who compete in the regional competition must receive a score of more than 65 points to qualify for the semifinals that will take place on Nov. 20. The top five bands from the classifications of 1A through 5A will be chosen to perform in Tampa for the finals.
Each band will perform a show that is approximately seven to 11 minutes long during the competition on Saturday. Yoho said the bands have a 15-minute time period to get on the field, play and then exit the field.
The various judges will score the bands on their music, marching, guard and percussion.
Each of the scores will be added up for a possible total of 100 points.
The Silver Magic Marching Band currently has 77 students in ninth through 12th grade.
Hamilton said they will not compete in the event because the host school never receives a public score to ensure that favoritism does not take place during the competition.
The Silver Magic Marching Band will have an exhibition performance called “Passion,” which includes three movements of romance, joy and wrath at the end of the competition at 7:15 p.m.
A collaboration of Diplomate Middle School, Gulf Middle School, Mariner Middle School, Challenger Middle School and Cypress Lake Middle School bands will play the “Star-Spangled Banner” at 3 p.m. to kick off the competition.
“It’s a very well run competition,” Hamilton said. “It is the last chance for bands to qualify if they have not already done so for the season.”
Mariner’s band qualified early on in the season earning superior level awards.
The event begins at 3:15 p.m and the award ceremony will start at 8 p.m.
Admission is $8 and half price for children under 10.
Mariner High School is at 701 Chiquita Blvd. North. For information call (239) 772-3324.