Judges are you ready? Mr. Drum Major, are you ready? These were questions asked individually by the announcer, Jay Larkin, to judges and drum majors of 12 bands before each one marched onto the field at King’s Fork High School to participate in regional or championship band competition. The event was held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, and hosted by the Mighty Marching Bulldogs of King’s Fork and the King’s Fork High School Band Boosters.

This was King’s Fork second annual tournament of bands competition. According to Principal Suzanne R. Moore, extra-curricular programs are vital in completing a well-rounded student, and students who participate in them tend to be higher achievers in the classroom.

Group size categories were: Groups One – up to 30 musicians and a maximum of 30 auxiliary; Group Two – 31 to 50 musicians and a maximum of 50 auxiliary; Group Three – 51 to 75 musicians and a maximum of 75 auxiliary and Group Four, 76 musicians or greater.

Two bands competed in Group One Regional: Bayside Magnificent Marching Marlins from Virginia Beach placed first with an overall score of 73.60. West Point Marching Pointer Band from West Point placed second with an overall score of 70.50.

Three bands competed in the Group One Championship: Granby Marching Comets from Norfolk placed first with an overall score of 74.20; Indian River Marching Braves from Chesapeake placed second with an overall score of 74.05; and Camden County Marching Bruins from Camden, N.C. placed third with an overall score of 68.50.

Two bands competed in the Group Two Championship: Princess Anne Marching Cavaliers from Virginia Beach placed first with an overall score of 79.35; and Frank W. Cox Marching Falcons from Virginia Beach placed second with an overall score of 77.70.

One band competed in the Group Three Regional: Nansemond River placed first with an overall score of 76.00.

Three bands competed in the Group Three Championship: King’s Fork performed in this category, but was not judged since it was the host school. Landstown Marching Eagles from Virginia Beach placed first with an overall score of 75.65; and Ocean Lakes Marching Dolphins from Virginia Beach placed second with an overall score of 74.65.

One band competed in the Group Four Championship: Woodside Marching Wolverines from Newport News placed first with an overall score of 74.70.

The host school was very accurate in staying on schedule with the 15-minute band performances times listed in the souvenir booklet so that those wishing to see a particular band knew just when it would perform.