SIOUX FALLS – The Brookings High School Marching Band took to the competition field Oct. 6. The highly esteemed Festival of Bands hosted by the four Sioux Falls high schools attracted 35 bands from four states.

Bands from Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota represented the four classes of competition. There was also a parade prior to the field class competitions. Parade performances were also judged.

Brookings competes in the Class AAA division. 

Bands are placed in divisions according to their school enrollment numbers.   However, because each division is judged on its merit, all competing bands have the chance of being in the highly prized finals held in the evening. Each of the four divisions’ winning band advances to the final competition. The remaining six bands earn their way to the finals by a combined total of points from the judges.

Brookings was chosen to appear in the finals again this year. This is the seventh consecutive year the band has received this honor.

The judges’ results from the preliminary performance and parade placement placed Brookings on the top 10 finalist list. Brookings placed fifth overall out of 30 competing bands in field competition for Class AAA. Parade placement for the Bobcats was fourth out of 33 bands. For parade competition all classes, Class A, AA, AAA and AAAA are grouped together.

The Festival of Bands is one of the largest marching band events in the region. About 4,000 high school band students participate, and between 8,000-10,000 spectators are on hand to cheer for the bands as they perform.

The cold and windy day added to the challenges for all of the performing bands. BHS band was fortunate to have a base location in the former Badlands Pawn Building. The band, the administration and the parent volunteers are very grateful to the donor for the use of their facility.