Story originally published in Western Carolinian, Oct. 8 edition.
Western Carolina University and the Pride of the Mountains Marching Band will be hosting the Tournament of Champions on Oct. 17.
For 21 years, WCU has been hosting this competition for high schools’ bands from Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina to compete for the title of the “best ensemble in the southeast.”
The event is regarded as unofficial recruitment for PotM and WCU students, but it is also a way for the students to get an insight into what other bands are doing. Throughout the day, performers get to go through warmups, performing and watching other bands perform. At the end of the day, PotM gets the final performance.
Each year, the final lineup of competitors, along with performance times, gets released closer to the date.
WCU junior color guard member, Valerie Jordan, has been a part of this tradition for the last three years as a member of PotM.
“I think it can impact them in multiple different ways from getting to see what it’s like to perform in a big stadium to making new memories at a new place,” Jordan said. “They get to meet new people and experience things that may spark their interest in wanting to come to Western.”
Each year, this event attracts nearly 10,000 musicians and spectators to WCU.
Many people enjoy coming to ToC to not only have a good time with friends but to also be surrounded by the music and performances from bands they otherwise would have never seen.
“People should come to this event because not only is it a lot of fun, but you get to see so many bands from around the area that are either just like your band or totally different,” Jordan said. “I think it’s a great way to support the art and the people who participate!”
If interested, tickets are $20 at the door day of the event. In addition, this event will be livestreamed and broadcasted by Whee-TV and 95.3 WWCU. Check out last years coverage of the event from Whee TV.
