Lincoln HS marching bands play at 39th Annual invitational

Marching bands near and far came together to perform at the Lincoln Public Schools Marching Band Invitational on Saturday.

The 39th annual event brought together high school bands from all over the state to be judged and receive ratings.

It’s all in preparation for a competition next Saturday.

All six LPS high school bands participated along with 18 other bands from Nebraska and Missouri.

One student says she knows her team will do well because they have that extra something.

“It’s kind of nerve racking as a drum major but also really exciting because you know their gonna perform well and put their heart into it,”said NAKANDA KAIRIGI, Lincoln SOUTHWEST HIGH DRUM MAJOR.

The bands perform in front of an eight–judge panel and receive scores 1 to 3.

“The biggest rating you can get is as a marching band is a 1 rating it goes 1 to 3 and a superior is a one,” said LAUREN EPP, Lincoln Southwest High drum major, “I guess that’s what we’re really shooting for every competition.”

Dr. Lance Nielsen adds the invitational gives the students an opportunity to perform their show to many who normally only see it on Friday night football games.

“It’s really a great showcase for our marching bands all the students and music teachers and all their great hard work throughout the fall,” said Nielsen.

The invitational also provides extra feedback before another competition next week.

“So we have eight judges that are giving them critiques on how well they’re playing their music and how well they’re presenting their show in a marching standpoint,” said Nielsen. “What is really great is watching them put their show together every single student out there has to put 100 percent into the show.” 

All but two of the Lincoln high schools got a rating of one. Lincoln North Star and Lincoln High got a two.