Battle of the Bands is marching into Charlotte

Seven Carolina high school bands will go head to head on Saturday to compete in ESPN Charlotte’s Halftime is Game Time with the hope for one student to march away with a scholarship.

Charlotte is the first stop in the 25-city battle of the bands tour.  In each city, one student from a participating school will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend college.

“At the end of the tour, we will host The World Series of Marching Bands Invitational Showcase where one student will receive a full one-year scholarship to attend college,” Al Davis, director of operations for Halftime is Game Time, said.

The Charlotte area high school bands include - Phillip O. Berry, Vance, West Charlotte, Independence, Hopewell, Monroe and Mallard Creek.

“Participating in the battle of the bands gives the opportunity for my band and I to prove that hard work pays off,” said Makayia Ashe, Vance High School band drum major.

Ashe has been part of the Vance marching band for the past four years, including the concert and symphony bands.

“We should win because we want to show people what our hard work looks like,” Ashe said. “We expect any and everyone to be our biggest competitor.”

Davis wants to bridge the gap of bringing awareness and appreciation to marching bands on a local and national level.

“Marching band is not just an extra curriculum activity, but is as much a sport as football, basketball and baseball,” David said. “We are certain that by participating in a marching band, you gain the key life elements to become a future leader.”

Ashe plans to major in social work at Norfolk State University and be part of the NSU Spartan “Legion” Marching Band.

Halftime is Game Time Battle of the Bands 25-city tour and World Series of Marching Bands will attract over one million participants to include loyal fans, alumni and community members highlighting each city’s unique culture and identity, showcasing rival high school and collegiate band programs through a competitive and entertaining band battle.

Prior to the performances, Halftime is Game Time has also organized a comprehensive college recruitment fair and the opportunity for students to audition for collegiate band scholarships.

Halftime is Game Time is being held this Saturday at Phillip O. Berry High School.  The show begins at 6p.m. and the college-career fair is from 2p.m. – 4:00p.m.  For more information about the event click this link to visit www.HalftimeIsGameTime.com.

If you have an inspiring story to share, please email Kevin Campbell, community affairs manager for WSOC-TV, at kevin.campbell@wsoctv.com

Cox Media Group