Times-Journal Writer

The sound of a cheering, excited crowd and loud music filled the air around Memorial Stadium on Saturday, giving the impression that an important football game was taking place inside.

Only there were no helmets to be seen and the only thing these players carried on the field were instruments, batons, flags and talent.

Around 20 high school marching bands from across the state came to Selma to participate in the “Battle of the Bands” sponsored by the Selma High School Band Boosters.

The stadium was overflowing with fans of all ages who came out to watch the performances of their favorite high school band.

Each of the bands had their own unique style and knew how the keep the crowd excited and wanting more.

“I had an awesome time,” said April Jones, a resident of Lowndes County. “All the bands were really good. I’m glad I wasn’t a judge.”

Another person who enjoyed the event was eight-year-old Terrance Truman, who said his favorite part of each performance was when the band members danced in unison.

“I want to be in a band,” he said. “It looks like a lot of fun.”

Michael Rawls, one of the organizers of the event, said the bands were divided into four categories based on the size of their school.

During the competition, the bands were limited on their performance time, usually doing about three songs.

“They are being judged on overall band performance, auxiliary, and percussion,” Rawls said.

The band performance judges during the event were Oscar Watts, a retired band director from Central High School in Tuscaloosa, and Bill Barnes, a retired band director from Meridian, Miss.

The auxiliary judge was Ken Scott from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and the percussion judge was Eric Bailey, a band director from Evergreen High School.

Rawls said first-, second-, and third-place trophies were distributed to bands in each of the categories, in addition to one band being awarded the overall band award.

In between each performance, DJ James “Shotgun” Hall kept the crowd entertained with music and games.

“I was just really excited about all the people here to watch the show,” said organizer Mamie Soloman. “This is really good day for us.”

Rawls said some of the proceeds from the “Battle of the Bands” competition will help the bands purchase uniforms, instruments and other things they need.

The grand finale of the event was performance by the Alabama State University “Marching Hornets.”

Solomon said three members of the “Marching Hornets” are from Selma.