Several Marching Bands Perform at District II Marching Exhibition

Drums, horns and cymbals took over Thirlby Stadium in Traverse City for the District II Marching Exhibition.

Sixteen high school marching bands performed their halftime show performances they’ve been working on since the summer. Judges also critiqued each band’s performance.

Last year spectators weren’t allowed due to COVID-19 concerns, but on Monday night, the stands were full again, with community members watching each band perform.

“It’s great to have the atmosphere back again,” said Nick Anderson, Band Director at Elk Rapids Schools.

For some of the marching bands, Monday’s performance was their last of the year, and making it bitter-sweet for their seniors.

“Appreciate it well it’s here because it seems like it’s going super slow when you are a freshman or a sophomore,” said Julia Markey, Senior at Elk Rapids. “But now that I’m a senior I can say this has gone by in the snap of my fingers, appreciate every moment.”

“In marching band, teamwork and coordination are the two biggest factors and those will stay with me for the rest of my life,” said Arron Booth, Senior at Kalkaska.

The judges give each band feedback on their marching technique and musicianship.