Marching bands from Fort Mill High School, Nation Ford High School and Catawba Ridge High School performed together Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Carolinas Exhibition of Bands, hosted by the Nation Ford High School band. It was the first time since 2019 that all three Fort Mill School District bands appeared at the annual event.
The exhibition gave each band a chance to test its 2026 show in front of an audience before competition begins. The bands performed without scores for a panel of clinicians, who gave each program feedback ahead of the competitive marching season. Band organizers describe all three programs as nationally ranked.
Students have been rehearsing their shows since mid-July, according to a press release from the Nation Ford band. Parents, alumni and other Fort Mill residents filled the stands to cheer on the three schools.
Beatz program makes its debut
The evening also marked the first public performance of Beatz: A RHYTHMIC Expression, a rhythm-based program designed to support cognitive and social development for students with differing abilities.
Beatz is in its pilot year at Catawba Ridge High School. Organizers hope to expand it to all three district high schools in the future, according to the release.
Competition season ahead
Residents who missed Saturday’s exhibition will have another chance to see all three bands on the same field. Fort Mill, Nation Ford and Catawba Ridge will compete at the BandBEAT Marching Band Championship on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Catawba Ridge High School.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Associate Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
