Local high school bands showcase skills at Crimson Cavalcade in Pelham

PELHAM, Ala. ( WIAT ) — Seven local High School bands from across central Alabama filled Pelham High School’s football stadium Wednesday for the Crimson Cavalcade of Bands.

Pelham High School hosted the non-competitive annual event, sponsored by the University of Alabama’s Million-Dollar Band for the first time this year.

The event gave high school bands an opportunity to perform for each other and get feedback from their peers and members of the Million Dollar band. The goal of the event is to inspire the next generation.

It was an opportunity that Andrew Ralph, a senior at Briarwood Christian School, said he was excited about.

“It’s cool to have something that big and that professional watching you and giving us feedback,” said Ralph.

Justin Ward, band director at Pelham High School, said the event is an effort to bring local high school marching bands together to show off their skills.

“It’s just a great time to be able to put their shows out there see how their design is see how they’re execution is get feedback to help them prepare for the remainder of football and competition season,” said Ward.

Camden Martin, senior drum major at Pelham, said seeing that execution from peers is inspiring.

“We want to be sure we’re elevating our program and our performance. This is just an amazing opportunity to further push ourselves and push our performance on the field for the 2024/2025 season,” Martin said.

The University of Alabama Million-Dollar Band topped the night off with a big finale.

“Presenting the best of what we can do and showcasing how amazing college band can be and what every single high schooler can be if it’s what they want to continue to do.” said Aly Ratcliffe, senior drum major at the University of Alabama.

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