20 Schools Set for Marching Band Event

Twenty high school bands from Orange, Los Angeles and Riverside counties will compete this weekend in the fourth annual Surf City Open Marching Band Tournament.

The competition will provide a visual and musical treat, said Gregg Gilboe, director of the Huntington Beach High School band and an organizer of the event.

“The marching band background is military, but in the last decade it has moved away from that and is quickly becoming an art form,” Gilboe said. “There will be colorful costumes, elaborate movements and a variety of music.”

Eight judges will evaluate participants with an eye toward musical presentations and visual performances.

The competition will take place Saturday from 3:30 to 10 p.m. at the Huntington Beach High School stadium, 1905 Main St.

Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for seniors, children and high school students with school IDs. Admission is free for children younger than 5.