By: Emory Atwell

Bands from all over Western North Carolina joined together for the Enka Land of the Sky Festival on September 24th, as well as the Cedar Cliffs Classic Band Tournament hosted by A.C. Reynolds on October 8th. The Flying Falcon Marching Band, directed by Mr. Allen Klaes, presented their show, “Matter of Time” where they performed “The Best of Times” by Styx, “Clocks” by Coldplay, “No Time to Die” by Billie Eilish, and “Thanks for the Memories” by Fallout Boy.

Competition is judged based on five major categories: music, percussion, visual effects, color guard, and drum major. West’s Band took home all first place rankings at The Land of the Sky Festival, as well as the Fan Favorite Award and the Sweepstakes Award.  After another successful performance at the AC Reynolds Competition, in addition to winning all superiors, Drum Major Josie Hollingsworth also won highest scoring drum major for the day. Band director, Allen Klaes attributes much of the band’s success to the “large student leadership program in the marching band.”

The band’s third and final competition of the season will be at North Henderson High School on Saturday, October 29th and their award-winning show can be seen during West Henderson home games.