Sensational sounds and magnificent movements filled Enka High School’s stadium Saturday for the 50th annual Land of the Sky Marching Band Festival.
The event opened with the Enka Middle School Band performing the National Anthem, followed by carefully choreographed, energetic productions from 25 high school bands from western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee.
The festival’s golden anniversary took on even greater significance after it had to be postponed by Hurricane Helene.
“When I received word we could commit to a new date, the Enka Band community was ecstatic,” said Kevin Young, director of bands for Enka High School. “This festival means everything to the Enka community. It’s funded thousands of student scholarships, purchased instruments, and has taken care of the Enka Band program for generations.”
Performers who’ve been working since the summer perfecting complicated music and motion had an opportunity to play to cheering crowds that filled the stands well into the evening.
“This event is a testament to the resiliency of our school system’s commitment to the arts and to the entire western North Carolina community,” Young added.
Buncombe County Schools band programs competing this year include A.C. Reynolds, North Buncombe, Owen, and T.C. Roberson high schools. The festival concluded with an exhibition showcase by the host band from Enka High School.
Click this link to see more festival photos.
