For the past 21 years, Mel Ingram field has played host to marching bands from across the Northwest.  This year will be no exception, as the Grants Pass High School Band and Auxiliary Boosters prepare for the 2014 Pride of the Northwest marching band competition, taking place on Saturday, October 18.  With over 100 parent and student volunteers, the all-day event will host eleven visiting bands this year; these bands will be judged and receive trophies based on their scores during both the preliminary round and the final round.  Grants Pass will perform for exhibition only for their favorite home-town crowd!

The GPHS Band & Auxiliary Boosters pride themselves on hometown hospitality, and are looking forward to hosting the following bands who are returning competitors: Crater High School, Phoenix High School, St. Helens High School, Del Norte High School, Roseburg High School, Sprague High School, Liberty High School, North Salem High School and Hillsboro High School.  In addition to these competitors, Grants Pass is excited to welcome first time performers Enumclaw High School and Henley High School. 

Preliminary competition begins at approximately noon, and finals competition will begin at approximately 5:30 pm.  The combined North and South Middle School bands will perform the National Anthem at the start of finals competition.  Tickets are available at the Grants Pass High School Bookkeeper’s office, Kelly’s Automotive, Oregon Books, or from your favorite high school band or auxiliary student.  Tickets are $15 for adults, and $10 for students K-12, or honored adults age 65+.  Concessions, souvenirs and specialty foods are available for purchase on-site.

Questions, contact pnw.gpband@gmail.com or call 541-450-2428.  www.gphsband.org