By Edmee CR Hasler
The Blue Ridge Fall Music Games returned to the Salem Civic Center last weekend with a sense of excitement and renewal. For many of the participating bands, this was their first competition of the season, and for the hosting marching band, Salem High School, it was an opportunity to showcase their skills through an exhibition performance, rather than competing directly.
At the center of the Salem High School Marching Band, was drum major Chance Long. He expressed a mix of excitement and nervousness, as this was their home competition. While Salem wasn’t competing, their exhibition performance would still be judged and serve as a critical opportunity to receive feedback. “This is our first performance in front of a silent crowd, so that’s very exciting,” Chance said. Having only performed at football games up until now, the Salem band was ready to showcase the show they had been preparing for nine weeks.
The excitement of the day extended beyond just the music. The event served as a significant fundraiser for Salem’s band program. “This competition is one of our primary fundraisers for the year,” explained Thomas Graham, Assistant band director for Salem. “The money raised from ticket sales, concessions, and everything else helps fund our entire season.” Graham acknowledged that while the preparation was intense, especially with challenges from inclement weather during rehearsals, the dedication of the students helped them pull through with a strong performance.
Other participants shared similar sentiments. Aurora Landry, the color guard co-captain of the Marching Highlanders from Glenvar High School, expressed pride in the team’s performance, noting that their months of hard work had paid off. “We have an amazing team, top-notch,” she said enthusiastically. Meanwhile, teammate Josie Jarvis was equally thrilled. “We all ate,” she exclaimed, using a popular phrase to express that her team performed exceptionally well. Despite being new to the competition scene, she couldn’t think of anything that could have gone better.
With 15 bands performing throughout the day, the event gathered excitement as it built up to the evening’s larger performances. From smaller schools like Monticello High School to powerhouse groups like Harrisonburg and Rock City, the variety in performances kept the audience captivated. As Chance had mentioned, it was always exciting to see what the bigger bands could bring to the field, but the smaller bands often delivered surprising and powerful performances as well.
The day wasn’t just about competition. For many, it was a celebration of music, teamwork, and perseverance. As Graham reflected on the importance of the event, he emphasized that while Salem couldn’t compete because they were hosting, they still received valuable feedback from judges, allowing them to gauge where they stood against the competition.
By the time the sun set and the final notes of the performances rang out, the Blue Ridge Fall Music Games had accomplished more than just a day of thrilling music. It brought together communities, supported the growth of young musicians, and ignited a passion for marching band that would carry through the rest of the season.
Photos by Edmee CR Hasler
