Valley schools join Colony for Marching Band Invitational

PALMER — Palmer High School, Redington Junior/High School, and Wasilla High School joined Colony High School’s marching band, The Northern Sound, for the annual Marching Band Invitational where everyone is welcome and shares a common love of music.

“It’s nice to be back in the groove. We had a good showing,” CHS band director Jamin Burton said.

Each marching band had the opportunity to show off all the hard work they put in with their own uniquely orchestrated performances.

Redington’s new band director, Jose Lopez marveled at the sheer grit his students displayed, persevering through rain and every other challenge that came their way.

“Me and my kids, we want to make it happen. They don’t quit. That shows dedication,” Lopez said.

PHS band director Barbara Carroll said this Invitational is a great opportunity to highlight their student’s musical talent. She said that she was thrilled to see packed seats during this year’s event.

“It was fun. We love it. We look forward to it,” Carroll said. “It’s getting bigger every year.”

Burton said this long-standing tradition is here to stay and it’s as strong as ever.

“So far we’ve been able to do it 18 years in a row. I hope that it spreads more,” Burton said.

Burton said they invited Kenai’s new marching band to attend, but they were unable to attend due to logistics. He said that all marching bands across Alaska are welcome to participate in this event.

“Anyone in the state that can make it, we would love to have them,” Burton said.

Burton said the various marching band, sports, cheerleading, and other school programs across the district are great at supporting one another and the Invitational is a prime example of that. Band members in the audience hold up signs that cheer on other schools, and the whole crowd erupts with encouraging applause during each performance.

“It’s awesome to have it all come together,” Burton said. “We have a good community here.”

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com