A Standing Ovation for the Big Blue Classic
The Big Blue Classic Marching Band Competition was held on Oct. 24 at Ernie Hicks Stadium, with thousands of spectators watching 26 high school and college marching bands.
On Oct. 24, Ernie Hicks Stadium became the stage for something truly extraordinary.Â
The Big Blue Classic Marching Band Competition brought together 26 high school and collegiate marching bands and thousands of spectators for a spectacular celebration of music, artistry, discipline, and community pride. It was far more than a competition; it was a powerful reminder of the remarkable things that happen when a community embraces the arts and comes together to celebrate the achievements of its young people.
As a member of the Blue Tornado Marching Band family, I could not let this event pass without publicly applauding the tremendous effort, dedication, and vision that made it possible.
Marching band is an art form that deserves far greater recognition than it often receives. It demands the precision of an athlete, the discipline of a musician, the creativity of an artist, and the determination of a team. Behind every performance are countless hours of rehearsal, devoted directors and instructors, supportive families, and students who sacrifice their time and energy to create something remarkable. On October 24, those efforts were on full display as bands took the field and transformed Ernie Hicks Stadium into a showcase of musical excellence.
Richlands should be proud.
Hosting an event of this magnitude is no small accomplishment. Bringing 26 high school and collegiate programs together requires organization, coordination, community support, and a shared commitment to making the experience exceptional for participants and spectators alike. The Big Blue Classic demonstrated that our community has both the spirit and the capacity to host events that celebrate talent, encourage young people, and draw visitors from across the region.
Perhaps most importantly, events like the Big Blue Classic provide young people with opportunities that extend well beyond the football field. Students learn perseverance, accountability, leadership, cooperation, and the value of working toward a common goal. They discover how individual effort contributes to collective achievement. They learn that excellence is not accidental; it is earned through preparation, commitment, and the courage to perform before an audience.
Those lessons matter. They matter in our schools, in our homes, in our workplaces, and in the future of our communities.
In a time when so much attention is directed toward the challenges facing public education and today’s youth, we should celebrate opportunities that allow students to demonstrate their abilities, develop their talents, and experience the rewards of dedication. The Big Blue Classic did exactly that. It gave young musicians a stage, families a reason to gather, and our community an opportunity to share in something inspiring.
And what a wonderful sight it was to see Ernie Hicks Stadium filled with music, excitement, school spirit, and the energy of thousands of people coming together for a common purpose.
To the organizers, band directors, students, volunteers, families, sponsors, community partners, and everyone who contributed to this tremendous undertaking: thank you for reminding us what makes our community special.
The success of the Big Blue Classic deserves recognition, not simply because of the number of bands that participated or the size of the audience it attracted, but because of what it represented: a community willing to celebrate young people, support the arts, and create meaningful experiences that bring us together.
May we never underestimate the power of a community that chooses to invest in its young people.
The final "note" may have sounded on Oct. 24, but the pride and inspiration created by the Big Blue Classic deserve to resonate throughout our community long afterward.
Richlands, take a bow. You gave us something worth celebrating.
With pride and appreciation,
Amanda Lester-Queen, EdS
Blue Tornado Marching Band BoosterÂ
