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Chattanooga: Bands battle at Finley

By: Susan Pierce
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Six high school marching bands and their percussion lines will get down to the music as they battle to be the best show band on the field today at Drumline Live. The musical event kicks off in Finley Stadium with a top-secret preshow at 2 p.m.

The event is hosted by the bands of Tyner Academy and Howard School of Academics and Technology. Tyner band director Elias Smith said they will be joined by three high school bands from Nashville and one from Huntsville, Ala.

“Each band and drumline performs, and bands will challenge each other. That’s more impromptu. When the show is over, bands turn to each other, and it’s a free-for-all-type battle,” Mr. Smith said.

As more high school bands move to the more regimented drum corps style of music and marching, the number of bands led by high-stepping, back-bending drum majors is declining, Mr. Smith said.

“A good drum major is expected to outmarch and outdance everyone on the field,” said Anthony Wiley, one of two drum majors for Tyner Academy. “You are expected to be the best.”

Dr. Stuart Benkert, UTC director of bands, said the majority of high school bands today are playing corps shows, which focus on intricate music.

“A show band is not about anything but entertainment,” said Dr. Benkert. “If they make you feel good, it’s a good band.”

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