Published: October 17, 2007 10:58 pm      

Marching on

3 local marching bands in state competition

RICHMOND — Marching bands from Russell High School, Paul G. Blazer High School and Rowan County High School are among 80 throughout the state to qualify for the Kentucky Music Educators Association State Marching Band Championships semifinal round.

The bands were among the top eight in their respective regional competitions on Saturday throughout the state.

On Saturday, the venue moves to the Louisville area for the semifinals and championships in five classes.

The top four scoring bands in each class moves on to the finals, which start at 5 p.m. at the University of Louisville’s Papa John’s Stadium. The event concludes with the naming of a state champion in each class.

Russell qualified for the Class AA semifinals and will march at 10 a.m. Saturday at Ballard High School.

Blazer and Rowan County qualified for the Class AAAA semifinals. Blazer marches at 11:30 a.m. and Rowan at 1:15 p.m.

Other semifinal sites are Butler Traditional High School (Class A), Ballard High School (Class AA), Eastern High School (Class AAA), Meade County High School (Class AAAA) and Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium (Class AAAAA).

Tickets for the semifinals are $10 and can be purchased at the event sites only. Tickets for the finals are $12 and $20 and are reserved seating. They can be purchased only on the day of the event.

For more information, visit the KMEA Web site at www.kmea.org.