By Alaina Denean Deshazo | The Selma Times-Journal

Selma High School is gearing up to host its annual Battle of the Bands competition Saturday.

“This is a competition that we’ve been hosting for over 14 years, and it showcases the different band programs in the state of Alabama and some of them in other states,” said Brandon Williams, band director at Selma High School. “It definitely is the band program’s biggest fundraiser of the school year.”

Williams said the competition brings in between $8,000 and $10,000 each year, which funds uniforms and instruments.

Around 15 bands will be performing, including Selma High School and Stillman College, which will be exhibition bands.

Williams said the bands will be judged in several categories, including dance line, flag line, majorettes, drum major, percussion and the band as a whole.

“The judges, they are band directors as well, so they know exactly what they are looking for,” Williams said. “Most judges look for a wow factor something that makes the whole crowd including yourself go, ‘How did they pull that off.’”

Besides being the largest fundraiser for the band, Williams said the competition is also an opportunity for members of the community to come out and support local students.

“It gives the city of Selma something to do on a Saturday. It’s family-oriented. There’s a lot food, lot of fun bands, lot of great music. They get to see something that they rarely get to see in Selma at such a huge magnitude,” Williams said. “My favorite part about the band competition itself is seeing the individuals that come and support us, seeing them have a great time.”

The competition is set to take place at Memorial Stadium Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door. For more information, contact Selma High School at 874-1680.

“I’m praying and hoping that everyone that can, will come out Saturday to support us and just come out and have a great time,” Williams said.