Second annual Highland Cavalier Marching Band Festival
at UVa-Wise Oct. 21

The "Papa Joe" Smiddy cup will be presented to the highest scoring band at the second annual Highland Cavalier Marching Band Festival. Smiddy, at right, displays the trophy with Marching Highland Cavalier Band drum major Trey Akridge and UVa-Wise Band Director Rick Galyean.

High school bands across the region are invited to participate in the second annual Highland Cavalier Marching Band Festival set for Saturday, Oct. 21, at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise.

The event is sponsored by the UVa-Wise Marching Highland Cavaliers and by the United States Scholastic Band Association’s (USSBA) division of Youth Education in the Arts. 

It is open to any band and any style of marching.

The music begins at 5 p.m. in Carl Smith Stadium on the UVa-Wise campus. Tickets are $10. Concessions will be available.

This year, in addition the trophies that USSBA will award, UVa-Wise bands  will present the Papa Joe Smiddy Cup. The beautiful 5-foot-tall trophy will be awarded to the highest scoring band of the day regardless of class. The trophy will be given in honor of Chancellor Emeritus Joseph C. “Papa Joe” Smiddy and his contributions to music at UVa-Wise and the surrounding area.

Band directors may register their bands for the event online at www.yea.org. Click on the USSBA link to find rules, registration forms and details about the event.

Area bands set to participate include: Pound High School, Honaker High School, St. Paul High School, J. J. Kelly High School, Lee High School, Richlands High School, Tazewell High School, Raceland High School, Grundy Senior High School, Coeburn High School and Chilhowee High School.

For more information, contact Richard Galyean, UVa-Wise director of bands, at 276-328-0235 or email rdg3y@uvawise.edu.

Posted October 3, 2006