Staff report
It’s the season — and the sound of bands is in the air. After weeks of practice and new routines and lock step precision, let the band contests begin.
Proceeds from these competitions support the schools’ band programs.
Beechwood 32nd annual Festival of Bands
Saturday, September 10, the 32nd annual Beechwood Festival of Bands will take place in Fort Mitchell, for a day of great performances, food, and fun as the Tigers kick off the 2022 competitive marching season.
This year’s competition features Ryle, Eastern (Louisville), Christian Academy of Louisville, Lloyd Memorial, Lewis County, Henry County and Owen County. Beechwood will perform in exhibition at the end of finals.
Preliminary competition starts at 2 p.m. and finals/exhibition will step off at 7:30 p.m., at Beechwood High School field in Fort Mitchell.
Order tickets in advance here. Premium tickets (seats between the 40-yard lines) are $15 and include a coupon for #2 off a $10 purchase at the concession stand. Standard seating (seats between the 15- ad 40-yard line are $10.
There are also opportunities to buy grand raffle tickets — for a chance to win $2000. (No need to be present to win).
And, you can get reserved disabled parking by pre-ordering at no charge.
Sponsors are Fields Welding, Inc, the Sanders Law Firm, Barnes Insurance Group, Permakil, and Truepoint Wealth Counsel.
Ryle annual Tournament of Bands
The annual Ryle Marching Band annual Tournament of Bands (RTOB) returns September 24, featuring some of the best music programs in Kentucky.
Ten marching bands from across the region will be coming to Union to participate in the annual Tournament of Bands. The Kentucky Music Educators Association sanctioned tournament has become one of the most respected band competitions in the region, said Joe Craig, Ryle’s director of bands.
“This year’s event features ten of Kentucky’s finest bands, as well as an exhibition performance by the Ryle High School Marching Raiders,” said Craig. “Our adjudication panel consists of eight nationally renowned judges, many of whom judge the premier Drum Corps International, Winter Guard International, and Bands of America events on an annual basis.”
The National Anthem will be played at 12:30 p.m. with the first band taking the field in the preliminary competition at 1 p.m. Bands participating in the tournament represent nine Kentucky high schools — Lloyd Memorial, Grant County, Beechwood, DuPont Manual, Harrison County, Eastern, Anderson County, Campbell County, and Lafayette. Conner High School Band will perform an exhibition at 1:45 p.m.
Following the preliminary competition, the nine competing bands will then participate in finals competition, beginning at 7 p.m. The Ryle Marching Raiders will perform their 2022 show, “In Absentia,” in exhibition prior to the 9:45 p.m. awards ceremony.
The Ryle Tournament of bands is sponsored by Pilot Company, Heritage Bank, Kona Ice, and Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck and Viox and Viox.
All tickets are for general seating and will be sold at the gate the day of the show. Ticket prices are $10 for those 12 and older, $5 for those 55 and older, and free for children 11 and under. The tournament takes place at Borland Stadium at Ryle High School, located at 10379 U.S. 42 in Union.
A full schedule and more information about the Ryle Tournament of Bands is available at
ryleband.com.