High school marching bands took the field of exhibition together on Saturday night during the 30th Annual Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Marching Band Jamboree.

This year’s event was hosted by Reagan High School and saw bands from Reagan, Glenn High School, Atkins High School, and West Forsyth High School demonstrate their shows for this year’s competitive season. At the end of the event, all the bands came together for a joint performance of “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire, conducted by Chief Academic Officer Paula Wilkins.

This year’s routines included a motley collection of music and set pieces, ranging from Georges Bizet’s Carmen to shows inspired by Lord of the Flies and Dungeons and Dragons. Marching band opens lots of creative opportunities for student musicians, and the jamboree always serves as a reminder of the big ideas that flourish through the district’s arts programs.

“Arts are alive and well in WS/FCS and we will continue to support our students in their artistic endeavors,” said Lead Performing Arts Teacher Spencer Hardy.

Marching bands brighten up dozens of school events with their music and help foster a school’s culture, but they don’t get many opportunities to work collaboratively with bands from other schools. The jamboree is a chance to come together and celebrate both the hard work of the district’s student musicians and the community-building impact of marching band as an artform.

“It’s a beautiful way to celebrate all of the wonderful work that our bands do,” said Board of Education Member Sabrina Coone. “Sometimes, it’s easy to forget how important they are to our school spirit.”

The student musicians who participated in this year’s jamboree said it was a rewarding experience, and they’re glad they can count on this annual opportunity to share their music with the rest of the district.

“I’m really grateful,” said Atkins High School Junior Steven Li. “I’m thankful for any time like this when we all get to come together.”