On Saturday, September 30, 2017, Pinecrest High School hosted the 10th Annual Band Fest. Bands from North and South Carolina came to compete for the first competition of the season. Pinecrest did not compete, but they did perform at the end of the event. They performed their take on Panic! At The Disco’s “Death of a Bachelor”. UNC Pembroke was the last to perform.

 

“It’s [Band Fest] the biggest we’ve ever had,” Mr. Eugene Cottrell, the band director said. “We had seventeen bands, and that’s a huge band festival.”

 

Band Fest is a major fundraiser for the Marching Patriots with the funds, they will be able to purchase new instruments and equipment. The funds cover transportation as the season continues as well.

 

“Our concessions sold amazingly. The Sweet Shack sold out before Union Pines even performed,” said senior Holly Riedesel.

 

There were six judges at the competition. Each band was judged on color guard, drum major, percussion, and marching. The bands had a fifteen minute set with a five minute transition in between.

 

Each band is put in a class determined by how many people are in the band. Class A has up to 60 members, Class 2A has up to 80 members, Class 3A has up to 100 members, Class 4A has up to 120 members, and Class 5A has up to 140 members.

 

In class 1A, South Columbus placed first in all categories. In class 2A, South Brunswick High School placed first in marching, general effect, percussion, and Class 2A. In Class 3A Leesville Road High School placed first in 3A.  In Class 4A, Midway High School placed first in Class 4A.  In Class 5A, Apex High School placed first in music, marching, general effect, and 5A.

 

“It was a huge success! I could really feel the joy and passion for the Arts from everyone there, and I absolutely loved it,” said senior Jacob Koller.