Marching to Glory: Battle of the Bands

The blare of horns and the rumble of drums sounded all day Saturday during the colorful fourth annual Battle of the Bands at Moorpark High School.

Thirty-two marching bands from high schools throughout the state and Nevada converged at the school’s multipurpose stadium for the event, hosted by Moorpark’s Marching Musketeers, chairwoman Terry Diggs said.

“The bands that chose to come picked us over three other tournaments that were going on this weekend because we have a good reputation, we have a beautiful facility and we’re organized,” she added.

Divisions in the competition were based on band size. Some groups, such as Simi Valley High School’s Marching Pioneers, have more than 100 members, while others like Rio Mesa High’s Spartan Marching Band have fewer than 60.

Each band was given 15 minutes to perform for a panel of judges, who rated musicians and color guards on formation and musical presentation, Diggs said. The bands each played three songs representing themes that ranged from Robin Hood to World War II.

Moorpark’s Musketeers and a marching band from Cal State Northridge did not compete, but gave special performances. Awards were given to the top three bands in each of six divisions, and sweepstakes winners were named.

The 78-member Panther band from Newbury Park High School was named the best band overall during morning competition, and a 65-member band from Hamilton High School in Los Angeles won a sweepstakes award for best sound.

Diggs said the event raises about $10,000 from tickets and entry fees to buy Musketeers instruments and uniforms.