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The Dixieland Band Contest is scheduled for Sat., Oct. 26. at the Municipal stadium at T.R. Miller High School.

Because of ACT testing occurring throughout the state, the opening ceremonies begin at 3 p.m. in the afternoon.

“Our first band is not playing until 3:15 and that is because of the ACT,” said TRM Band Director Brandon Cornutt. “We have many students coming that will not be out of the test until 1 p.m. that day,” he added.

This year, the contest includes 14 bands from Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi. The bands are classified based off the number of wind and percussion students per band. A class 4A band can have 96 or higher members. During this contest, bands from class 1A to 4A will compete.

Beginning in the early 90s, the band contest normally brings a large crowd.

“There will be 1,200 students competing that day. The bus parking lot will be full. The home side of the stadium will be standing room only,” said Cornutt.

Looking forward to the event, Cornutt has dedicated many hours to the planning of the event.

“I work on this all year,” said Cornutt. Excited to host the event, Cornutt said,“The thing I like about it is our kids are placed in a position where they have to be responsible and professional. They have to be a part of hosting this. Our kids are accomplished musicians and we do a good job musically but this is a way for them to show off they are responsible and mature,” said Cornutt.

Included in the list of bands is W.S. Neal High School. Band Director Kim Waller is excited for the event. “We like to see all the other bands, it is a good opportunity to see other bands perform,” said Waller.

“We like that it is local because many family and friends don’t have to travel far away. I think it is great for the community to see that there are many people involved in what we do,” she added.

Most of all, Waller is thankful for the feedback given by the judges. “I enjoy that we get to see other quality groups perform and receive really good expert feedback from a panel of judges about how we are doing,” said Waller.

Admission to the stadium is $5 per person. Full concessions are offered including Kona Ice and funnel cakes this year.

All in all, Cornutt is thankful for the administration of the school and central office, as well as the city’s support with the event.

The schedule of the event is as follows:

Opening Ceremonies – 3 p.m.

Class 1A begins – 3:15p.m.

Break – 4:30-4:55 p.m.

Class 2A begins – 5 p.m.

Dinner Break – 6-6:50 p.m.

Class 3AAA begins – 6:50 p.m.

Class 4 AAAA begins – 7:50 p.m.

Awards – 9:10 p.m.