Mark Davis doesn't know what to expect going into marching band season, but he knows Kanawha County's eight high schools will put on a show when they meet later this month for the 69th Gazette-Mail Kanawha County Majorette and Band Festival in Charleston.
Davis, who coordinates all band and art-related events for the school district, said band directors have communicated some of their plans for this season, though he remains relatively unsure of what they'll unveil at the festival.
"And I think I prefer it that way," he said. "It lets me experience the show like everyone else."
The Majorette and Band Festival has been a showcase for local high school bands since 1947. Davis said the event, in a sense, launches the season and gives bands a chance to break out what they've been working on since summer practice.
"It's always good to see what they've been up to," he said.
Some bands go the traditional route, opting to perform classical pieces, while others incorporate modern music and pop-culture references.
For instance, at last year's festival, Capital High School's 113-member band played selections from Key Poulan's "Apocalypse," a classical three-movement piece based on the Book of Revelations specifically written for marching bands. Riverside High School's band, however, capitalized on the popularity of superheroes with its "Marching Heroes" show, which featured the likes of Captain America and Spider-Man.
Davis said he expects a variety of performances this year as well.
While the festival gathers rival school bands for a night of camaraderie and competition - judges name a festival grand champion and award the coveted title of Miss Kanawha Majorette - the visiting band is sure to drum up even more excitement.
Following the high school performances, West Virginia University's marching band, the Pride of West Virginia, will take the field and preview selections it will play this season.
Davis said he is excited to see the band perform.
Traditionally, the Pride of West Virginia performs at the festival every other year, alternating with Marshall University's band, the Marching Thunder.
The festival will begin at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 22 at the University of Charleston Stadium at Laidley Field. The high school bands will perform for two hours, followed by Pride of West Virginia. Awards are handed out after the university band performance.
Should it rain that evening, the festival will be rescheduled for Sept. 23.
"It's my understanding it hasn't really rained in past years," Davis said. "There have been close calls, but, knock on wood, the festival has always gone on as planned."
Regardless of the weather, Davis expects a good turnout.
Davis also said tickets will soon go on sale.
While there was a delay in getting tickets from the vendor, Davis said they should be available to go out over the Labor Day weekend.
Tickets cost $7 in advance and $8 at the gate and can be purchased at each of the eight county high schools, Kerr's Music World, Gorby's Music or Laidley Field.
The festival is one of the largest band fundraisers of the year, Davis said. All proceeds directly benefit Kanawha County's high school bands. Festival programs also will be sold for $1.
To build excitement for the festival and for art and band activities in the school district, Davis started a #KCSarts hashtag he hopes fans will start using on social media.
Reach Samuel Speciale at sam.speciale @dailymailwv.com, 304-348-7939 or follow @samueljspeciale on Twitter.